UNIVERSlir  OF  iU  ii\ 


HELD  IN 


E CITY  OF  NEW  OELEANS 


8th,  9th,  10th,  11th,  12th,  13th  and  15th  of  January,  1855 


EMBEACIN6 


Oak  street 
UNCLASSIFIED 


PUBLISHED  AT  THE  OPPICE  OP  THE  CRESCENT,  10  CAMP  STREET. 


5?> 

0*13 


1 8 5 5. 


■V 


Sitilti  anil 


THE  NEW  ORLEANS  DAILY  AND  WEEKLY  CRESCENT, 

PUBLISHED  JIT  JVO.  70  CAJSIP  STREET, 

Contain  the  latest  and  fullest  intelligence  that  can  be  procured  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  to- 
gether with  a largo  amount  of  literary,  miscellaneous  and  other  matter. 


The  New  Orleans  Daily  Crescent 

Is  published  every  morning,  excepting  SurTday,  throughout  the  year,  and  is  the  largest  paper,  of 
its  class,  issued  in  the  city.  It  contains  as  late  and  complete  telegraphic  news  from  Europe,  and 
all  parts  of  this  country,  as  any  other  journal  in  the  South  ; all  matters  of  interest  occurring 
in  the  Gulf  and  Pacific  that  are  brought  by  the  regular  steamships  running  to  this  port ; full  in- 
telligence from  Texas,  the  Western  and  South-eastern  States,  and  a large  amount  of  literary  mat- 
ter. It  is  of  no  less  value  as  a family  paper  than  as  a news  and  commercial  journal — embodying 
the  chief  characteristics  of  each.  It  contains  regular  reviews  of  all  the  markets  of  the  city,  pre- 
pared in  the  most  accurate,  comprehensive  and  reliable  manner,  the  arrivals  of  boats  and  pas- 
sengers, together  With  every  other  thing  of  interest  comprehended  in  a daily  journal. 

The  New  Orleans  Weekly  Crescent 

Comprises  all  the  miscellaneous,  editorial,  literary  and  telegraphic  matter  contained  in  the  Daily 
Crescent  of  the  week  previous.  It  is  printed  on  a large  double  sheet  and  is  specially  prepared 
for  general  reading  and  news.  Very  few  advertisements  are  allowed  in  its  columns,  and  it  will 
be  found  a most  acceptable  and  interesting  family  visitor. 

The  New  Orleans  Crescent,  Daily  and  Weekly, 

Is  not  committed  to  the  support  of  any  particular  party  politics,  but  free  to  encourage  every  ef- 
fort tending  towards  a national  conservative  sentiment— the  perpetuity  and  extension  of  the  Re- 
public It  endeavors  to  embody  every  thing  of  importance  to  the  commercial  world  and  to  chron- 
icle all  matters  belonging  to  a first  clsss  news-paper,  whether  foreign  or  domestic.  Its  local  re- 
ports will  be  found  as  full  and  reliable  as  those  of  any  other  journal,  and  no  pains  or  expense 
will  be  spared  to  increase  its  value,  interest  and  influence.  No  advertisements  of  an  improper 
character  are  admitted  under  any  circumstances. 


Terms: 

The  Daily  Crescent  will  be  regularly  served  to  subscribers  in  New  Orleans,  at  an  early  hour 
every  morning,  except  Sunday,  for  ^10  per  annum  payable  at  the  office,  or  20  cents  per  week  pay- 
able to  the  carriers.  It  will  be  mailed  to  subscribers  elsewhere  in  season  for  the  first  mail  after 
its  publication  at  $10  per  annum,  or  $5  CO  for  six  months,  payable  in  advance. 

The  Weekly  Crescent  is  published  every  Monday  morning  at  $8  00  per  annum,  payable  in 
advance. 

The  Ciroulatlon 

Of  the  Creioent,  Daily  and  Weekly,  is  such  as  to  offer  a very  desirable  medium  to  advertisers  A 
liberal  dicoount  is  made  to  those  who  advertise  by  the  year 


uwivtKbiiY  UK  IlMr^OIS 


PROCEEDINGS,  ETC. 


PRELIMINARY  MEETING. 


On  Monday,  the  8th  of  January,  at  1 o’clock, 
the  delegates  to  the  Southern  Commercial  Con- 
vention assembled  in  Lyceum  Hall,  and  organ- 
ized temporarily  by  calling  Gen.  John  L.  Lewis 
to  the  Chair,  and  appointing  Messrs.  L.  Heyli- 
ger  and  S.  T.  Jones,  Secretaries. 

On  motion  of  Col.  S.  W.  Oakey,  it  was  then 

Resolved,  That  two  delegates  from  eacET 
State  shall  be  named  by  the  President,  who 
shall  constitute  a committee  to  report  suitable 
persons  to  act  as  officers  of  this  convention ; 
and  that  said  committee  shall  report  at  an. ad- 
journed meeting  of  the  convention  to-morrow, 
at  12  o’clock. 

On  motion,  the  convention  adjourned  to  12 
o’clock  of  the  following  day. 

After  the  adjournment,  the  delegations  from 
the  different  States  selected  the  following  gen- 


C' 


tlemen  to  serve  on  the  above  committee,  and 
handed  their  names  to  the  Chairman : 

Maryland — J.  B.  Howell  and  J.  A Weston. 

South  Carolina — Dr.  G.  L,  Elliott  and  Dr. 
A.  P.  Hayne. 

Tennessee. — Dr.  M.  Leatheman  and  Andrew 
Erwin. 

Arkansas — J.  B.  Keatts  and  J.  H.  Clop  ton. 

Mississippi—^.  D.  Coleman  and  Thomas  E, 
Helm. 

Texas — M.  F.  Johnston  and  Gen.  H.  McLeod. 

Louisiana— Z.  H.  Overton  and  John  M.  Bell. 

There  were  delegations  present  from  several 
other  States,  but  we  could  not  learn  who  they 
had  selected  to  represent  them  in  the  commit- 
tee. 


Jnilti  ani  ffipAltj  Ctea»nt. 


THE  NEW  ORLEANS  DAILY  AND  WEEKLY  CRESCENT, 

PUBLISHED  JIT  JYO.  70  CAJ\IP  STREET, 

Contain  the  latest  and  fullest  intelligence  that  can  be  procured  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  to- 
gether with  a largo  amount  of  literary,  miscellaneous  and  other  matter. 

The  New  Orleans  Daily  Crescent 

Is  published  every  morning,  excepting  Sutfday,  throughout  the  year,  and  is  the  largest  paper,  of 
its  class,  issued  in  the  city.  It  contains  as  late  and  complete  telegraphic  news  from  Europe,  and 
all  parts  of  this  country,  as  any  other  journal  in  the  South ; all  matters  of  interest  occurring 
in  the  Gulf  and  Pacific  that  are  brought  by  the  regular  steamships  running  to  this  port ; full  in- 
telligence from  Texas,  the  Western  and  South-eastern  States,  and  a large  amount  of  literary  mat- 
ter. It  is  of  no  less  value  as  a family  paper  than  as  a news  and  commercial  journal — embodying 
the  chief  characteristics  of  each.  It  contains  regular  reviews  of  all  the  markets  of  the  city,  pre- 
pared in  the  most  accurate,  comprehensive  and  reliable  manner,  the  arrivals  of  boats  and  pas= 
sengers,  together  with  every  other  thing  of  interest  comprehended  in  a daily  journal. 

The  New  Orleans  Weekly  Crescent 

Comprises  all  the  miscellaneous,  editorial,  literary  and  telegraphic  matter  contained  in  the  Daily 
Crescent  of  the  week  previous.  It  is  printed  on  a large  double  sheet  and  is  specially  prepared 
for  general  reading  and  news.  Very  few  advertisements  are  allowed  in  its  columns,  and  it  will 
be  found  a most  acceptable  and  interesting  family  visitor. 

The  New  Orleans  Crescent,  Daily  and  Weekly, 

Is  not  committed  to  the  support  of  any  particular  party  politics,  but  free  to  encourage  every  ef- 
fort tending  towards  a national  conservative  sentiment—the  perpetuity  and  extension  of  the  Re- 
public It  endeavors  to  embody  every  thing  of  importance  to  the  commercial  world  and  to  chron- 
icle all  matters  belonging  to  a first  clsss  news-paper,  whether  foreign  or  domestic.  Its  local  re- 
ports will  be  found  as  full  and  reliable  as  those  of  any  other  journal,  and  no  pains  or  expense 
will  be  spared  to  increase  its  value,  interest  and  influence.  No  advertisements  of  an  improper 
character  are  admitted  under  any  circumstances. 


Terms: 

The  Daily  Ceescent  will  be  regularly  served  to  subscribers  in  New  Orleans,  at  an  early  hour 
every  morning,  except  Sunday,  for  ^10  per  annum  payable  at  the  office,  or  20  cents  per  week  pay- 
able to  the  carriers.  It  will  be  mailed  to  subscribers  elsewhere  in  season  for  the  first  mail  after 
its  publication  at  $10  per  annum,  or  $5  f 0 for  six  months,  payable  in  advance. 

The  Weekly  Crescent  is  published  every  Monday  morning  at  $8  00  per  annum,  payable  in 
advance. 

The  Circulation 

Of  the  Crescent,  Daily  and  Weekly,  is  such  as  to  offer  a very  desirable  medium  to  advertisers  A 
liberal  discount  is  made  to  those  who  advertise  by  the  year 


• lUJNOIS 


Return  this  book  on  or  before  the 
Latest  Date  stamped  below. 

Theft,  mutilation,  and  underlining  of  books 
are  reasons  for  disciplinary  action  and  may 
result  in  dismissal  from  the  University. 
University  of  Illinois  Library 


'JGS,  ETC. 


Mi'.v  3 :r. 


MEETING. 


emeu  to  serve  on  the  above  committee,  and 
anded  their  names  to  the  Chairman : 

Maryland— B.  Howell  and  J.  A.  Weston. 

South  Carolina — Dr.  G.  L.  Elliott  and  Dr, 
L.  P.  Hayne. 

Tennessee. — Dr.  M.  Leatheman  and  Andrew 
Irwin. 

Arkansas— S.  B.  Keatts  and  J.  H.  Clopton. 

Mississippi—'^.  D.  Coleman  and  Thomas  E. 
[elm. 

Texas — M.  F.  Johnston  and  Gen.  H.  McLeod. 

.Louisiana— iS . H.  .Overton  and  John  M.  Bell. 

There  were  delegations  present  from  several 
ther  States,  but  we  could  not  learn  who  they 
ad  selected  to  represent  them  in  the  commit- 


L161— 0-1096 


FIRST 


DAY 


Tuesday,  January  9,  1855. 

The  Delegates  to  the  Couyeution  assembled  in 
the  Lyceum  Hall  at  noon.  Eleven  States 
were  represented  in  the  Convention  as  follows ; 

Louisiana-^Cily.'—A.  D.  Crossman,  Edgar  Montegut, 
William  Freret,  J.  B.  Bemiss,  Samuel  J.  Poters,  Richard 
Esterbrook,  James  Robb,  W.  S.  Campbell.  Henry  S.  Buck- 
ner, Dr.  Samuel  Harby,  John  M.  Bell,  Col.  S.  W.  Oakey, 
James  W.  Breedlove,  Alexander  Walker,  J.  L.  Levy,  H. 

B.  Cenas,  Major  H,  J.  Ranney,  Col.  A.  H.  Gladden,  Wil- 
liam P.  Converse,  A.  B.  Cammack,  S.  Howell,  Alexander 
Phillips,  I.  H.  Stauffer,  Michel  Musson.  J.  H.  Overton, 
Thomas  J.  Ivy,  Charles  F.  Daunoy,  Rufus  Mcllhenny,  P. 
S.  Wiltz,  W,  M.  Perkins,  John  A.  Watkins,  T.  C.  Jenkins, 
J.  C.  PrendergastjJulien Neville, M.  M.  Cohen,  J.  W.  Har- 
mon, E.  L.  Tracy,  Dr.  Hu : Kennedy,  Samuel  Jamison,  C. 

C.  Lathrop,  Samuel  Smith,  J.  P.  Todd,  John  Pemberton, 
Horace  L.  Marshall,  S.  F.  Wilson,  Gen.  Denis  Cronan,  W. 

A.  Gordon,  A.  D Kelly,  A.  M.  Holbrook.  E.  J.  Forstall,  W. 
II.  Avery,  Ambrose  Lanfear,  E.  Filleul,  James  Beggs.  H. 
W.  Palfrey,  Col.  Daniel  Edwards,  J.  0.  Nixon,  Wilhelinus 
Bogart.  Charles  M.  Waterman,  Thomas  A.  Adams.  J.  H. 
Ashbridge,  I.  G.  Seymour,  Jesse  Gilmore,  Christian  Rose- 
lius,  Logan  McNight,  Dr.  A.  F.  Axson,  Rufus  Dolbear, 
John  W.  Smith,  George  W.  Race,  Logan  Hunton,  R.  W. 
Adams.  Dr.  B.  H Barton,  John  Calhoun,  Charles  Genois, 
James  D.  Denegre,  J.  M.  Howell,  Benjamin  F.  Flanders  J. 

B.  Walton,  N.  Sinnott,  Jr.,  E.  W.  Sewell.  John  Claiborne, 
John  S.  Thrasher,  Moses  Greenwood,  N.  R.  Jennings,  M. 

O.  H.  Norton,  Emile  SaSere,  Thomas  L.  Leeds,  Lewis 
Heyliger.  Samuel  T.  Jones,  Newton  Richards,  R.  H.  Chil- 
ton, 51  51.  Simpson,  Dr.  J.  L.  Riddell,  Bernard  Avegno,  J. 
S.  Holden,  Peter  Marcey,  J.  W.  Stanton,  Gen.  S.  M.  West- 
more,  F.  A.  Lumsden,  Alexander  Baggett,  J.  P.  Labouise, 

A.  Levison,  Gerard  Stith,  John  L.  Lewis. 

Parishes.— M..  Estes,  J.  C.  Knettle,  Shreveport ; J W.  P. 
McGimsey,  Baton  Rouge  ; Felix  Huston,  East  Feliciana  ; 
John  R.  Evans,  John  51.  Sandidge.  Bossier  ; John  Moore, 
H.  J.  Heard,  St.  Martin’s;  George  P.  Briant,  East  Baton 
Rouge  ; John  L.  Titus,  A.  Titus,  C.  B.  Penrose,  J.  B.  Wil- 
kinson, Plaquemines ; Robert  C.  Nicholas,  Carroll ; Daniel 

P.  Sparks,  St.  Mary’s. 

Tennessee.— D.  M.  Leatherman.  William  D.  Ferguson, 
Thomas  H.  Neil,  J.  B.  R.  Ray,  John  P.  Caruthers,  J.  H. 
McNeil,  John  H.  Brinkley,  A.  Erwin,  Lucius  J.  Polk,  A.  R. 
Herron. 

Mississippi — N.  D.  Coleman,  Wm.  Cox,  Thomas  E. 
Helm,  J.  M.  Vernon,  K.  P.  Alston,  Z.  Hooker,  C.  A.  Man- 
love,  W.  D.  Roy. 

Arkansas.— Allen  J.  Polk,  Albert  Pike,  James  B.  Keatts, 
John  A.  Clopton,  L.  E,  Polk,  John  J.  Horner. 

Maryland. — J.  A.  Weston,  J.  B.  Howell, 

Texas.— Memican  Hunt,  H.  M’Leod,  M.  T.  Johnson,  M. 

B.  Lamar,  P.  Bremond. 

Virginia.— Vf  .G.  Hewitt,  John  F.  Farmer. 

South  Carolina. — A.  P.  Hayne,  Gibbes  L.  Elliott,  John  8. 
Preston. 

Alabama.— S.  Breck,  W.  B.  H.  Howard. 

Kentucky. — B.  Musselman. 

Pennsylvania. — Thomas  F.  Smith. 

The  hall  was  very  handsomely  and  appropri- 
ately decorated  for  the  occasion.  In  the  rear 
of  the  stage  the  national  colors  were  displayed, 
with  a portrait  of  Washington  in  the  center, 
portraits  of  Clay  and  Taylor  on  the  right,  and 


of  Jackson  and  Harrison  on  the  left.  The  por- 
traits are  those  belonging  to  the  Council  Cham- 
bers, and  add  no  little  to  the  beauty  of  the  hall. 
The  galleries  were  also  appropriately  festooned 
with  flags. 

The  Convention  was  called  to  order  by  Gen. 
Lewis,  President  pro  tern.,  after  which  Mr. 
Jones,  the  Secretary  pro  tern.,  read  the  list  of 
delegates,  who  answered  to  their  names  as 
called. 

The  Secretary  read  the  proceedings  of  the 
preliminary  meeting,  which  were  approved 

Mr.  Coleman,  of  Mississippi,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Organization,  then  read  the 
names  of  the  following  gentlemen  as  ofi&cers  of 
the  Convention : 

President — Gen.  M.  B,  Lamar,  of  Texas. 

Vice  Presidents — A.  J.  Polk,  of  Arkansas;  Col.  M,  T. 
Johnson,  of  Texas  ; Gen  John  A.  Quitman,  of  Mississippi ; 
Gen.  L.  J.  Polk,  of  Tennessee ; Col.  John  S.  Preston,  of 
South  Carolina  ; Col.  W.  W.  Pugh,  of  Louisiana ; Dr. 
Thomas  Fearn,  of  Alabama  ; and  J.  B.  Howell,  of  Mary- 
land. 

Secretaries — Secretary-in-Chief,  Judge  Alex.  Walker,  of 
Louisiana. 

Assistant  Secretaries — Gen  Hugh  McLeod  and  Mr.  P. 
Bremond,  of  Texas  ; Mr.  J.  S.  Horner,  of  Arkansas  ; Dr. 
A.  P.  Hayne,  of  South  Carolina  ; Mr.  John  Rey,  of  Ten- 
nessee ; Mr.  William  Colton,  of  Mississippi;  5Ir.  W.  C. 
Hewitt,  of  Virginia  ; and  Mr.  A.  Levison,  of  Louisiana. 

The  list  was  unanimously  approved  by  the 
Convention,  and  those  of  the  gentlemen  named 
who  were  present  were  conducted  to  their  seats. 
Gen.  Lewis  then  announced  that  the  Convention 
was  regularly  organized,  and  retired. 

Gen.  Lamar,  upon  taking  the  chair,  made 
the  following  remarks : 

Gentlemen  of  the  Convention — Having  been  unexpectedly 
called  to  my  present  position,  I have  no  remarks  to  offer 
you  adequate  tJ  the  occasion.  I shall  have  to  content 
myself  therefore  with  a few  extemporaneous  and  desultory 
observations  as  they  occur  to  my  mind  at  the  moment. 
The  great  purpose  for  which  this  Convention  has  assem- 
bled are  familiar  to  you  all.  They  are  equally  compre- 
hended by  the  intelligent  and  enlightened  portion  of  the 
whole  American  people.  Any  attempt,  therefore,  on  my 
part,  at  a formal  and  elaborate  exposition  of  these  mo- 
tives and  purposes  would  be  superfluous,  and  a useless 
consumption  of  time.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  our  purposes, 
our  motives  are  pure,  exalted,  holy  and  just ; and  that 
we  are  driven  to  our  present  post  from  a stem  necessity 
of  self-preservation  ; and  he  who  would  impute  to  this 
assembly  any  other  motives  than  those  openly  avowed  ; 
he  who  would  ascribe  to  us  any  other  objects  than  those  of 
virtue,  patriotism  and  improvements  within  the  limits  of 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


5 


the  OonstitutioEL,  is  a defamer  and  a reoreant  to  truth  and 
deserves  the  reprobation  of  every  virtuous  mind. 
Neither  do  I say  that  it  is  at  all  necessary  for  me  to  anti- 
cipate any  of  the  measures  or  actions  of  this  assembly 
There  is,  however,  one  measure  that  stands  so  promi- 
nently and  pre-eminently  over  all  the  rest,  that  I would 
hardly  be  excusable  in  passing  it  by  in  silence.  I refer  to 
the  Pacific  Railroad — an  enterprise  gigantic  in  its  nature, 
but  within  the  limits  of  our  resources,  and  one,  which  when 
accomplished,  will  be  attended  with  benefits  not  only  to 
NewOrleans,  Wt  to  the  whole  country,  fully  consummate 
with  the  magnitude  of  the  enterprise.  I do  not  feel  my- 
self called  upon,  nor  does  the  occasion  require  me  to  say 
anything  more  than  simply  to  acknowledge  the  gratitude 
that  I feel  for  the  high  confidence  and  honor  conferred 
upon  me — an  honor  the  more  acceptable  because  it  was 
so  gratuitously  bestowed  ; but  one  which  I fear  has  been 
formed  upon  too  high  an  appreciation  of  my  capacity  to 
discharge  the  duties  before  me. 

And  I would  be  constrained  by  a sense  of  duty  to  de- 
cline the  honor  your  kindness  has  bestowed  upon  me, 
were  it  not  from  a firm  conviction  that  the  same  feelings 
that  placed  me  here  will  slso  sustain  me  here,  and  that 
you  will  have  the  same  liberality  in  overlooking  rny  errors 
and  supplying  any  deficiencies.  So  far  as  concerns  a dis- 
position to  do  what  is  right,  I have  no  lack  of  confidence 
in  myself.  For,  if  there  is  a chord  that  is  bound  round 
my  heart  as  durably  as  the  spring  of  life,  it  is  that  feeling 
that  vibrates  at  the  name  of  my  country. 

We  are  not  entirely  a homogeneous  people.  We  are  as- 
sembled here  from  a vast  and  widely  extended  country, 
each  of  us  bringing  our  prejudices,  our  individual  opinions 
and  local  interests  into  our  deliberations.  One  of  the  great 
purposes  of  this  assembly  is  to  extinguish  these,  and  to 
unite  in  the  same  common  action  for  the  common  weal  of 
all.  And  in  order  to  achieve  this,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
discard  all  selfishness,  prejudice,  local  interests  and  con- 
flicting opinions.  And  for  the  purpose  of  achieving  this 
end,  I appeal  to  the  spirits  that  are  represented  on  the 
canvas  around  us.  Let  their  spirits  animate  us  on  this 
occasion,  and  let  us  be  inspired  by  their  example.  There- 
fore, my  fellow  associates  in  one  common  cause,  what  re- 
turn shall  I make  for  the  high  honor  which  you  have  con- 
ferred upon  me  ? We  are  here  for  the  common  weal  of 
all  Let,  then,  all  our  dissensions  have  an  end.  Let  our 
strifes  cease.  Let  our  motto  be  “ For  God  and  our  coun- 
try ! » 

Gen.  Felix  Huston  oflPered  a resolution  to  the 
effect  that  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  be 
governed,  as  far  as  practicable,  by  the  rules  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
States.  The  resolution  was  adopted. 

A resolution  was  read  and  adopted,  adding  a 
marshal  to  the  officers  of  the  Convention  ; and 
the  President  appointed  to  that  oflfice,Mr.  Camp- 
bell, of  New  Orleans. 

The  Secretary  read  letters  from  Mr.  J.  D.  B. 
DeBow,  Esq.,  at  Washington  City;  one  to  the 
Mayor  of  New  Orleans,  transmitting  documents 
for  the  use  of  the  Convention,  and  the  other  an- 
nouncing the  performance  of  the  duties  assigned 
to  him  as  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed 
by  the  Charleston  Convention,  last  year,  to 
make  investigations  and  reports  upon  the  vari- 
ous subjects  for  the  consideration  of  the  present 
Convention. 

Some  debate  ensued  as  to  whether  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  last  Convention  at  Charleston 
should  be  read  or  not.  There  being  no  copy  of 
those  proceedings  present,  they  were  not  read. 


The  Secretary  called  upon  the  Chairmen  of 
the  sub- committees  appointed  by  the  last  Con- 
vention for  their  reports. 

Mr.  Pike,  of  Arkansas,  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Internal  Improvements,  had  no  report 
to  offer ; for  which  he  apologized  by  saying 
that  he  lived  in  a State  where  there  were  no  in- 
ternal improvements,  and  that  he  had  been 
unable  to  obtain  the  necessary  information,  for 
which  he  had  written  to  various  parties.  Mr. 
Pike  stated  that  he  had,  however,  discharged 
the  trust  imposed  upon  him  in  reference  to  the 
Pacific  Railroad ; drawing  up  a charter,  acts 
for  State  Legislatures,  and  a memorial,  all 
which  he  had  printed  at  his  own  expense,  and 
would  present  to  the  Convention  to-morrow 

There  were  no  reports  from  the  Committees 
on  Agriculture  and  Education,  nor  from  the 
Committee  on  Manufactures  and  Mining  The 
Chairman  of  the  last  Committee,  however,  was 
reported  to  be  on  his  way  to  the  city,  and  hourly 
expected. 

Gen.  Huston  offered  a resolution,  which  was 
adopted,  for  the  appointment  of  a committee,  to 
consist  of  two  delegates  from  each  State  repre  • 
sented,  to  whom  shall  be  referred  all  reports, 
resolutions  and  unfinished  business  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  President  named  a Special  Committee  of 
Three  to  select  delegates  to  serve  upon  the  fore- 
going general  Business  Committee.  A recess  of 
five  minutes  was  taken  for  the  purpose ; at  the 
end  of  which,  the  committee  reported  a list  of 
names,  which  was  subsequently  so  amended  as 
to  constitute  the  Business  Committee  as  follows : 

Chairman,  Gen.  Felix  Huston,  of  Mississippi ; Messrs. 
Coleman  and  Alston,  of  Mississippi ; Keatts  and  Horner, 
of  Arkansas  ; Leatherman  and  Ferguson,  of  Tennessee ; 
McLeod  and  De  Cordova,  of  Texas  ; Moore  and  Chilton, 
of  Louisiana ; Tanner  and  Hewitt,  of  Virginia ; Hayne 
and  Elliott,  of  South  Carolina ; HoWell  and  Weston,  of 
Maryland,  and  Howard  of  Alabama. 

The  following  resolutions  were  read  and  re- 
ferred to  the  Business  Committee : 

By  Mr.  H.  McLeod,  of  Texas : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  the 
deepening  of  the  channel  through  the  Atchafaiaya  Bay, 
and  the  prevention  of  the  present  tendency  to  shoaling 
within  the  harbor  of  Galveston,  will  promote  the  inter- 
ests of  commerce  between  Texas  and  the  rest  of  the 
Union,  and  expedite  the  transmission  of  the  Great  West- 
ern Mail  to  Texas,  and  becomes,  therefore,  a legitimate  ob- 
ject of  appropriation  by  Congress : 

By  Mr.  Hunt,  of  Texas  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  appropria- 
tions by  Congress  for  suitable  fortifications  at  the  east  end 
of  Galveston  Island  for  the  protection  of  the  inlet  and 
harbor  of  Galveston,  and  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  opposite 
the  city  of  Galveston,  for  its  protection. 

Resolved,  Thfkt  this  Convention  reoomjnend  an  appro- 


8 


Southirn  Commercial  Convention 


ptiaUon  by  Congress  for  the  erection  of  a ^rlne  Hospital 
at  or  near  the  city  of  Galveston, 

Rtaohti,  That  this  Convention  reoommend  appropria* 
tions  by  Congress  for  the  improvement  of  the  inlet  and 
harbor  of  Galveston,  and  also  the  removal  of  obstructions 
to  the  navigation  of  Galveston  and  San  Jacinto  Bays. 

By  Mr.  Estes,  of  Louisiana  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  Sta^s  an  appropriation  for  the  im- 
provement of  the  navigation  of  Red  River. 

Mr.  Bemiss,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  follow- 
ing resolution,  which  was  adopted,  with  a 
request  that  the  President  select  such  a person 
before  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention  : 


S EC  0 i\ 

Wednesday,  Jan.  10, 1855, 

The  Convention  met  at  noon.  The  roll  was 
called,  and  the  divine  blessing  invoked  by  the 
Rev., Mr.  Hooker,  of  Mississippi. 

The  journal  was  read  and  approved. 

Mr.  Chilton,  of  Louisiana,  made  a tender  to 
the  Convention  of  twenty- five  copies  of  the  Me- 
moirs of  the  Pennsylvania  Agricultural  Society, 
edited  by  the  late  John  S.  Skinner.  The  books 
were  accepted. 

A letter  was  read  from  Messrs.  Sherman, 
Wharton  & Co.,  tendering  the  members  of  the 
Convention  the  free  use  of  their  Reading  Room, 
at  the  corner  of  St.  Charles  and  Gravier  streets. 

A motion  being  made  to  return  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  for  these  courtesies. 

Rev.  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi,  stated  that 
as  the  hospitalities  of  the  citizens  of  NewOrleans 
had  been  and  would  be  very  numerous  during 
the  sittings  of  the  Convention,  it  would  be  bet- 
ter to  wait  awhile,  and  return  a general  bill  of 
thanks  for  those  hospitalities.  [Applause.] 

Gen.  Felix  Huston  rose  to  apologize  for  his  in- 
ability to  serve  as  Chairman  of  the  General 
Business  Committee.  He  also  presented  to  the 
Convention  the  apologies  of  Gen.  Quitman,  of 
Mississippi,  for  his  inability  to  be  present. 

The  Chairmen  of  the  Committees  appointed 
by  the  last  Convention  being  called  upon  for 
their  reports, 

Mr.  Albert  Pike,  of  Arkansas, made  explana- 
tions in  reference  to  his  inability  to  report  as 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Internal  Im- 
parovements.  Ho  however  submitted  copies  of 


Ba  it  Resolved,  Aa  all  good  thlnga  emanate  from  God,  it 
is  proper  that  this  Conventiou  should  invoke  the  bleaslng 
of  the  Almighty  upon  its  deliberations  ; for  this,  a suita- 
ble person  should  be  selected  by  this  body  to  open  this 
Convention  each  morning  with  prayer. 

Mr.  Stith,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  following, 
which  was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  the  ladies  of  New  Orleans  be  invited  to 
attend  the  meetings  of  this  Convention,  and  that  the  gal- 
lery be  set  apart  for  their  aooommodatoin. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  12  o’clock 
of  the  following  day. 


D D A Y . 

the  documents  drawn  up  by  him  as  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  the  Pacific  Railroad,  and 
moved  that  they  be  referred  to  a special  com 
mifctee  of  one  delegate  from  each  State  He 
took  occasion  to  say  that  he  wouid,  at  some  time 
during  the  session  of  the  Convention,  make  a 
defense  of  commercial  Conventions  against  the 
unworthy  motives  and  inefficiency  attributed 
to  them  by  some  people,  as  well  as  to  express 
his  views  upon  the  subject  of  the  Great  Pacific 
Railroad. 

Rev.  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi,  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Education,  appointed  by 
the  last  Convention,  stated  that  he  would  be 
prepared  to  make  his  report  to-morrow 

Mr.  Dolbear,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  follow- 
ing resolutions,  which  were  referred  to  the 
General  Committee  : 

Resolved,  That  iu  the  opiuion  v[  this  Convention.  Con- 
(?res8  should  make  such  annual  appropriations  as  may  be 
necessary  to  remove  the  ob  aructions  at  the  mouth  or 
mouths  of  the  Mississippi  River. 

Resolved,  That  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is 
solicited  to  grant  the  use  of  Fort  Jackson  to  Louisiana  or 
the  City  of  New  Orleans  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a 
quarantine. 

Mr.  Sinnott,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  follow- 
ing, which  were  referred  to  the  same  Commit- 
tee : 

Whereas,  The  State  of  Louisiana  and  other  Southern 
States  are  heavily  taxed  for  the  support  of  Charitable  In- 
sUtutions  for  indigent  sick,  the  sum  appropriated  being 
barely  sufficient  to  defray  the  expenses  of  those  who  are 
entitled  to  entrance ; and  whereas,  they  have  been  and 
are  still  heavily  taxed  by  the  admission  of  seamen  who, 
having  lost  or  mislaid  their  protection  papers,  are  thereby 
debarred  admittance  into  the  United  States  Marine  Hos- 
pitals, for  the  support  of  which  institutions  the  said  sea- 
men pay  amojptlhy  tax  to  the  United  States  Government, 
therefore  be 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


Ut^oUed,  That  thia.Conveutiou  recoiumtiud  to  Cojjgretis 
the  revision  or  modification  of  the  Mavine  laws  relating  tn 
this  subject,  providing  for  the  admiasiv/n  of  American  sea- 
men, who  may  have  lost  or  mislaid  (heir  protection  papers, 
thereby  preventing  the  said  persona  becoming  a burden 
upou  tho  charitable  institutiops  of  the  several  Staton. 

Mr.  Jennings,  of  Louisiana,  presented  the 
following  preamble  and  resolutions,  and  moved 
that  they  be  referred  to  a special  commiteee  : 

IVhereas,  For  (he  past  two  hummer.s  sov.ral  of  tho 
Southern  States  have  been  severely  visited  by  that  ter- 
rific scourge  of  humanity,  tho  yellow  fever,  tending  more 
than  any  other  cause  to  cripple  the  energies,  irape.ir  tho 
pro.spects,  and  affect  the  coinmoroial  as  well  asaU  oilier 
interests  of  the  country— 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  and  firm  conviction  of 
this  Convention,  that  all  the  States  bordering  on  the  At- 
lantic south  of  33  degrees,  and  those  on  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  are  bound  by 
their  commercial  interests  and  their  future  prosperity  in 
this  Union  of  States,  as  well  aS  by  the  cause  of  suffering 
humanity,  to  establish,  from  the  1st  day  of  July  to  the  1st 
day  of  N ovember  of  each  year,  a rigid  quarantine  in  all 
their  sea- ports,  and  ordinary  marine  communication  with 
the  ocean. 

Resolved,  That  we  do  earnestly  recommend  tho  subject 
to  the  active  legislation  of  the  several  States  here  repre- 
sented, and  especially  to  all  the  sea-coast  towns,  that  early 
action  during  the  present  season  may  be  taken  thereon. 

The  resolutions  were  referred  to  a committee 
consisting  of  Messrs.  N.  E.  Jennings,  J.  P. 
Todd,  J.  L.  Riddell,  and  S.  J.  Peters,  of  Loui- 
siana; C.  K.  Marshall  and  N.  D.  Coleman,  of 
Mississippi ; W.  B.  H.  Howard  and  T.  11.  Watts, 
of  Alabama ; W.  C.  Dawson  and  J.  H.  Nesbit, 
of  Georgia ; H.  McLeod  and  James  Lowe,  of 
Texas;  andP.  M.  Cohen,  of  South  Carolina. 

Prof.  Chilton,  of  Louisiana,  offered  amend- 
ments to  Mr.  Jennings’s  resolutions,  which  were 
referred  to  the  same  committee. 

Dr.  McGimsey,  of  Louisiana,  presented  the 
following  resolutions,  with  a short  address  to 
the  Convention  in  support  of  them  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  strongly  recommend  the 
Chambers  of  Commerce  and  commission  merchants  of  our 
Southern  and  Southwestern  cities  to  adopt  such  a system 
of  laws  and  regulations  as.  will  put  a stop  to  the  danger- 
ous practice,  heretofore  existing,  of  making  auvaiices  to 
planters  in  anticipation  of  their  crops  ; a practice  entirely 
at  variance  with  every  thing  like  safety  in  business  trans- 
actions, and  tending  directly  to  establish  the  relation  of 
master  and  slave  between  tho  merchant  and  planter,  by 
bringing  the  latter  into  the  most  abject  and  servile  bond- 
age. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  in  the  most 
urgent  manner  that  the  planters  of  the  Southern  and 
Southwestern  States  patronize  exclusively  our  home  mer- 
chants, and  that  our  Chambers  of  Commerce  and  mer- 
chants generily  exert  all  their  influence  to  exclude  foreign 
agents  and  factors  from  their  respective  bodies,  and  from 
the  purchase  and  sale  of  produce  in  any  of  our  Southern 
and  Southwestern  cities. 

Resolved  further.  That  this.  Convention  recommend  to 
the  Legislatures  of  the  Southern  and  Southwestern  States 
to  pass  laws  making  it  a penitentiary  qffenee  for  the  planters 
to  ask  or  the  merchants  to  make  such  pecuniary  advances. 

Gen.  Huston  opposed  the  resolutions.  He 
belonged,  he  said,  to  that  class  who  believe  that 
the  less  we  are  governed  the  better  it  is  for  us. 


He  was  iu  favor  of  planters  patronizing  the 
market  nearest  home,  but  opposed  to  any  legis- 
lation that  should  undertake  to  tell  them  who 
they  shall  or  shall  not  deal  with. 

Mr.  Dolbear,  of  Louisiana,  also  opposed  the 
resolutions  with  some  vehemence ; and  moved 
that  they  be  laid  on  the  table.  The  motion  was 
put  to  vote  and  lost ; and  then,  on  motion,  they 
were  referred  to  the  General  .Committee. 

Mr.  Forshey,  of  Louisiana,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing, which  was  referred  to  the  General 
Committee : 

Whereas,  The  rapidly  growing  commerce  of  the  city 
of  New  Orleans  demands  a corresponding  increase  of 
ware-housing  facilities,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  urge  upon  Congress  the 
importance  of  extending  the  port  of  entry  of  New 
Orleans  to  the  upper  line  or  limit  of  the  city  of  Jefferson 

Mr.  V.  H.  Ivy,  of , presented  the  fol- 

lowing, which  were  referred  to  the  same  com- 
mittee : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  recomm8nded"lo  the  merchants  of 
NewOrleans  to  establish  a line  of  steamers  between  this 
city  and  Liverpool  or  Bremen,  or  whatever  other  Euro- 
pean port  best  justifies  the  enterprise. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  recommend  to  Con- 
gress to  establish  a Naval  Depot?  or  Navy  Yard  at  the  City 
of  NewOrleans. 

Resglved,  That  this  Convention  do  recommend  to  Con- 
gress to  pass  an  act  to  appropriate  annually  a sum  for  the 
deepening  of  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  River. 

A recess  was  then  taken,  in  order  to  enable 
the  Delegates  to  select  a special  committee  upon 
the  Pacific  Railroad.  Upon  re- assembling,  the 
following  gentlemen  were  named  as  constituting 
said  committee  : 

Mr.  Albert  Pike,  of  Arkansas,  Chairman  ; Messrs.  J.  S. 
Preston,  of  South  Carolina  ; C.  A.  P Johnson,  of  Texas  ; 
W.  D.  Ferguson,  of  Tennessee  ; B.  Musselman,  ot  Ken- 
tucky; C.  G.  Young,  of  Louisiana  ; N.  D.  Coleman,  of 
Mississippi ; Boykin,  of  Alabama  ; and  Lucius  La- 

mar. of  Georgia. 

Mr.  Sandidge,  of  Bossier  Parish,  Louisiana, 
offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  re- 
ferred to  the  General  Committee  : 

Resolved,  That  we  consider  the  opening  of  the  commu- 
nication between  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  across  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec,  under  a con- 
tract with  the  Mexican  Government  of  the  6th  of  Feb- 
ruary,  1853,  and  recognized  by  the  treaty  between  said 
Government  and  that  of  the  United  States,  ratified  on 
the  30th  of  June  last,  as  a work  eminently  necessary  to 
the  commerce  of  the  two  oceans,  of  great  national  inter- 
est, and  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  prosperity  of 
the  Southern  and  Southwestern  States,  and  we  recom- 
mend those  States  most  interested  in  its  beneficial  results 
to  extend  toward  it  all  the  aid  and  support  it  may  in  their 
power  to  grant. 

Mr.  Estes,  of  Shreveport,  La.,  offered  the 
following,  which  were  referred  to  the  same  Com- 
mittee : 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  recommend  to  each  of 
the  Southern  States  having  a seaport  to  encourage  the 


8 


Southern  Commercial  Convention^ 


establishment  of  a direct  trade  with  Europe,  either  by  ex- 
empting from  taxes,  for  a limited  time,  the  goods  im- 
ported, or  by  allowing  the  importers  an  equivalent  draw- 
back or  bounty,  or  by  such  other  mode  as  to  the  Legisla- 
tures of  the  respective  States  may  deem  best. 

Eeaolved,  That,  to  further  this  great  object,  Congress  be 
recommended  to  make  such  appropriations  for  deepening 
the  inlets  to  harbors,  and  for  other  purposes,  as  maybe 
deemed  necessary. 


THIRD 

Thursday,  January  11,  1855. 

The  Convention  met  at  noon.  The  roll  was 
called,  and  a prayer  offered  by  the  Rev.  H.  N. 
McTyeire,  of  NewOrleans. 

A large  number  of  ladies  being  in  attendance, 
Gen.  Lamar,  the  President,  rose  and  welcomed 
them  in  a short  but  eloquent  and  flowery  speech, 
which  was  enthusiastically  applauded  by  the 
Convention. 

On  motion,  the  reading  of  the  journal  was 
dispensed  with. 

Mr.  Lumsden,  of  Louisiana,  moved  that  the 
list  of  Vice  Presidents  be  called,  and  that  those 
who  were  present  take  their  seats  on  the  stage. 

Mr.  Lathrop,  of  Louisiana,  stated  that  there 
were  vacancies  in  the  list,  and  moved  that  they 
be  filled  by  the  Delegations  of  the  States  un- 
represented in  the  list.  Mr.  R.  C.  Nichols,  of 
Louisiana,  Mr.  Wm.  C.  Hewitt,  of  Virginia, 
Major  J.  Cannon,  of  Kentucky,  and  Mr.  N.  D. 
Coleman,  of  Mississippi,  were  thereupon  added 
to  the  list. 

A letter  was  read  to  the  Convention  from  Mr. 
Richard  Madden,  of  NewOrleans,  in  reference 
to  a line  of  steamers  between  NewOrleans  and 
Europe,  and  favoring  Galway,  Ireland,  as  the 
proper  point  of  communication.  The  letter  was 
laid  on  the  table  subject  to  call. 

Hon.  John  Moore,  of  Louisiana,  Chairman  of 
the  General  Committee,  reported  favorably  upon 
various  resolutions  that  had  been  referred  to 
the  committee,  which  have  already  been  pub- 
lished. The  report  was  laid  on  the  table  sub- 
ject to  call. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lumsden,  it  was  ordered 
that  the  resolutions  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the 
Convention.  ^ 

Capt.  Albert  Pike,  of  Arkansas,  Chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  the  Pacific  Railroad,  rose  to 


Mr.  Howard,  of  Alabama,  offered  the  follow** 
ing,  which  was  referred  to  the  same  committee ; 

Resolved^  That  it  is  the  duty  of  Congress  to  make  an  ap- 
propriation for  the  purpose  of  clearing  away  the  obstruc- 
tions in  the  Mobile  harbor,  and  that  we  hereby  memorial- 
ize that  body  to  make  such  appropriation. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  then  adjourned. 


DAY. 

present  his  report.  At  the  desire  of  the  Con- 
vention, he  went  upon  the  stage,  and  said  : 

Mr.  President — I am  instructed  by  the  Special  Commit- 
tee to  which  was  referred  the  consideration  of  the  pro- 
posed project  for  the  construction  of  a Southern  Pacific 
Eailroad,  to  report  a series  of  resolutions  embodying  the 
conclusions,  without  argument,  to  which  this  committee 
has  arrived  ; and  which  resolutions  the  committee  re- 
commend this  Convention  to  adopt : 

1.  Resolved.  That  the  construction  of  a railroad  to  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  from  proper  points  on  the  Mississippi 
River  within  the  slave-holding  States  of  the  Union,  is  not 
only  important  to  those  States,  but  indispensable  to  their 
welfare  and  prosperity,  and  even  to  their  continued  exist- 
ence as  equal  and  independent  members  of  the  confed- 
eracy. 

2.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  General  Government  to 

aid  in  the  construction  of  such  a road,  by  grants  of  land 
to  an  extent  limited  only  by  the  necessity  of  the  ca.8^ 
and  by  contracting  with  the  company  engaging  to  build 
such  road  for  the  carriage  thereon,  during  a term  of 
years,  of  the  mails,  troops,  and  munitions  of  war,  of  the 
United  States,  and  by  every  other  constitutional  means  in 
its  power.  * 

3.  That  such  Southern  Pacific  Railroad  ought  to  be 
built  upon  the  route  indicated  by  the  Southern  and  South- 
western Commercial  Convention,  which  met  at  Charleston 
in  April  last,  that  being  upon  the  most  direct  line  of  com- 
munication between  the  ports  of  Europe  and  those  of  the 
Indies  and  of  China. 

4.  That  such  road  ought  not  to  belong  to  the  General 
Government,  nor  to  foreign  capitalists  or  speculators,  but 
should  be  built  by  a corporation  chartered  by  a Southern 
State,  and,  as  far  as  practicable,  with  Southern  capital ; 
and,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  all  of  the  Southern 
States  that  can  constitutionally  and  properly  do  so, 
should  give  aid  and  encouragement  to  this  great  enter- 
prise, by  becoming  .stockholders  of  the  company  to  be 
created. 

5.  That  this  Convention  approve  and  adopt  the  views 
and  sentiments  expressed  in  the  memoir  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Charleston  Convention  on  the  subject  of  the  South- 
ern Pacific  Railroad,  addressed  to  the  Governors  of  the 
several  slave-holding  States,  when  taken  in  connection 
with  the  second  of  the  present  resolutions. 

6 That  this  Convention  approves  of  the  general  fea- 
tures of  the  plan  for  the  construction  of  n Southern  Paci- 
fic Railroad  adopted  by  the  Convention  at  Charleston,  and 
commends  it  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the  several 
Southern  States,  and  recommends  that  immediate  appli- 
cation be  made  to  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Louisi- 
ana for  such  a charter  as  is  understood  by  that  plan  and 
the  resolutions  on  that  subject  of  the  said  Convention. 

7.  That  this  Convention  approves  in  the  main  of  the 
draft  of  a charter  for  the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad  Com- 
pany, as  prepared  by  the  Committee  of  the  Charleston 
Convention  ; and  that  a committee  of  five  members  of  this 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


9 


Conveotton  be  now  appointed  by  the  President,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  take  clwrge  of  said  charter,  and  after  making 
such  changes  and  amendments  therein  as  to  them  may 
seem  necessary  and  proper,  to  present  the  same  to  the 
Legislature  of  Louisiana,  now  in  session,  and  urge  its  pass- 
age by  that  body  ; and  this  Convention  most  respectful- 
ly and  earnestly  requests  that  Legislature  to  enact  the 
same,  with  such  modifications  a.s  to  it  in  its  wisdom  may 
seem  fit. 

Capt.  Pike  then  proceeded  to  address  the  Con- 
vention, as  follows : 

Mr.  Prf.sidknt  I feel  greatly  embarrassed  in  arising  to 
address  this  Convention  in  regard  to  this  project,  and  the 
kindred  subjects  which  properly  engage  its  attention. 
The  flattering  encomiums  which  the  too  great  kindness  of 
my  friends  has  bestowed  upon  me  through  the  medium  of 
the  public  press,  and  the  still  more  flattering  and  less 
deserved  eulogy  of  the  President  of  this  Convention, 
painfully  impress  upon  me  that,  if  the  public  expectation 
Is  in  any  degree  proportioned  to  those  heraldings,  their 
expectation  cannot  fail  to  be  disappointed . 

I also  feel  that  the  State  from  which  I come  gives  to  my 

osition  no  such  weight  as  that  I ought  to  be  selected  to 

ear  the  burthen  of  this  project.  I do  not  come  here  in 
the  name  or  as  the  representative  of  capital,  of  political 
power,  or  of  commercial  influence.  I am  the  representa- 
tive of  a State  that  can  give  to  this  Convention  and  the 
South  nothing  butcher  good  wishes  and  her  most  earnest 
prayers ; and  these  she  gives,  sir,  with  all  her  heart. 

Moreover,  sir,  I am  admonished  by  the  presence  of  those 
new  delegates  to  this  Convention,  so  beantifnlly  addressed 
by  you, 

“ Whose  eyes  do  brighten  like  the  star  that  shook 
Between  the  palms  of  Paradise,” 

that,  while  their  smiles  are  the  highest  incentive  to  patri- 
otic endeavor,  and  the  most  glorious  reward  that  can  be 
bestowed  upon  us  for  our  exertions  in  the  cause  of  our 
country,  the  array  of  beauty  intimidates  as  much  as  it 
encourages  the  speaker. 

I abandon  the  attempt,  sir,  to  rival  or  compete  with 
you.  As  the  heart  of  woman  is  always  enlisted  in  the 
cause  of  the  country,  the  highest  compliment  I can  pay 
them  is  to  endeavor  to  interest  them  in  the  great  cause 
in  which  this  Convention  is  engaged,  and  I proceed  at 
once  to  the  discussion  of  the  great  questions  that  are 
before  this  body  for  its  action. 

Mr.  President,  the  first  Commercial  Convention  assem- 
bled in  the  city  of  Baltimore.  It  was  a small  beginning. 
A few  delegates  from  a few  States  again  met  in  the  city  of 
Memphis.  I was  not  present  at  either  of  these.  At  the  late 
Convention  of  the  city  of  Charleston,  I had  the  honor  of 
being  in  attendance.  Of  that  Convention  it  is  necessary 
for  me  to  speak.  Of  it.  Sir,  I can  say  that  never  did  a 
more  patriotic  body  assemble  there  or  elsewhere  to  delib- 
erate upon  the  prospects  of  this  nation. 

But  owing  to  the  pressure  of  sickness  and  commercial 
distress,  this  Convention  has  not  received  that  generous 
welcome  to  this  city  which  it  expected  and  had  a right 
to  expect ; coming  here,  as  it  does,  to  consult  for  the  good 
of  our  common  country. 

Sir,  we  are  told  by  some  of  the  leading  journals  of  this 
city  that  this  will  be  the  last  meeting  of  this  Convention. 
Then,  sir,  it  behooves  us  to  look  about  us  and  see  whether 
this  be  true  or  not ; and  if  true,  what  steps  are  proper  to 
be  taken  by  this  Convention  to  prevent  this  inglorious 
termination  to  our  labors.  Mr.  President,  those  who  say 
that  the  deliberations  of  the  Southern  Conventions  have 
been  attended  with  no  result,  it  seems  to  me,  forget  that 
it  takes  more  than  the  life-time  of  a man  for  an  oak  to 
grow  from  an  acorn.  And  he  who  imagines  that  great  re- 
sults can  be  suddenly  achieved,  forgets  the  plan  upon 
which  Providence  governs  and  controls  the  world.  The 
accomplishment  of  great  results  requires  a great  lapse 
of  time.  This  Convention  must  expect  to  plant  the 
seed  and  leave  God  in  his  own  good  time  to  cause 
that  seed  to  grow.  Our  business  is  to  plant  it.  Let 
those  reap  who  may  come  after  us.  Mr.  President,  it  is 
an  ordinary  error  that  legislation  shapes  the  destiny  of 
the  world.  Those  gentlemen  who  enact  laws  for  the  gov- 
enunent  of  a country  vainly -imagine  that  it  is  their  ac- 


tion that  is  to  control  the  community  fn*  which  they 
legislate.  Legislation  is  only  the  result  of  public  opinlojp. 
It  is  the  crystalization  of  public  opinion  in  a visible  shi^((:. 
Law  exists  always  in  the  bosom  of  the  public  before  it 
manifests  itself  in  the  legislation  of  the  country.  TH 
great  influences  that  operate  upon  a country  do  not  begip 
in  the  halls  of  legislation  ; they  begin  with  the  child  at 
the  knees  of  its  mother.  The  seed  planted  there  germi- 
nates and  expands  into  the  future  principles  which  gpv- 
ern  the  man.  Those  influences,  that  shape  the  destiny  of 
the  Government,  are  growing  up  in  the  breast  of  the  child. 
The  slightest  word  uttered  in  these  early  years  may  have 
more  influence  upon  the  country  and  the  world  than  ail 
the  legislation  of  a century.  All  that  can  be  expected 
from  a body  of  this  kind  is  that  it  should  deliberate  care- 
fully as  to  the  measures  best  calculated  to  advance  the 
interests  of  the  country,  and  lay  its  plans  and  conclusions 
before  the  Legislatures  of  the  States,  and  of  the  Union,  so 
as  best  to  commend  them  to  their  consideration. 

Mr.  President,  too  much  prominence  has  been  ?iven 
me  in  regard  to  my  connection  with  the  Charleston 
Convention.  I have  felt  that  my  name  has  been  too  often 
mentioned  in  the  ears  of  the  country.  I could  not  pre- 
sume to  suggest  to  this  Convention  the  course  whicn  it 
ought  to  pursue,  and  the  measures  which  it  ought  to  re- 
commend. But  I have  drawn  up  a series  of  resolutions, 
in  which  are  embodied  my  own  views  of  what  are  the  du- 
ties of  this  Convention  in  regard  to  the  subjects  engaging 
its  attention,  which,  with  your  permission,  I will  read  : 

1.  That  the  resolute  determination  of  every  non-slave- 
holding  State  in  the  Union,  without  a single  exception, 
not  to  comply  with  its  constitutional  obligations  to  the 
slaveholding  States ; and  the  utter  want  of  fraternal 
spirit  exhibited  by  them  in  the  legislation  of  twenty  years, 
not  only  fully  warrants  a union  of  the  Southern  States, 
within  the  Constitution^  for  the  protection  of  their  just  rights 
and  the  preservation  of  their  independence,  equally 
threatened  by  dissensions  within  and  assaults  from  with- 
out ; but  makes  such  union  an  inexorable  necessity  and 
one  of  the  very  terms  of  their  existence. 

2.  That  such  a union  can  be  effected  only  by  means  of 
Conventions  of  Delegates  from  the  several  Southern  States, 
meeting  periodically,  deliberating  upon  all  matters  that 
concern  the  public  welfare,  suggesting  to  the  legislative 
authorities  of  their  States  such  measures  as  the  engencles 
of  the  times  and  their  condition  demand ; and  making 
known  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  the  just  de- 
mands of  the  States  for  which  they  are  authorized  to 
speak 

3 That  the  Government  of  the  Union,  aS  to  the  South- 
ern States,  is  not  a superior,  by  Divine  right,  or  any  other 
right,  to  be  approached  only  on  bended  knees,  and  in  the 
humble  accents  of  petition  and  entreaty ; but  it  is  a 
Government  of  the  States,  created  by  and  for  the  States, 
and  of  which  each  has  a right  to  require  and  demand  such 
legislation  as  shall  give  to  all  the  rights  to  which  it  is  en- 
titled, and  a fair  and  equal  share  of  the  beneflts  of  such 
government,  and  of  the  moneys  raised  by  burthens  im- 
posed upon  all  the  States  alike,  and  any  State  which  begs 
and  implores  for  that  which  it  is  its  right  and  duty  to  de- 
mand, deserves,  as  it  will  receive,  insult  and  contumely 
only. 

4.  That  the  Southern  States  have  a right  to  demand, 
and  do,  through  this  Convention,  demand,  the  expenditure 
within  their  limits  of  their  fair  proportion  of  the  revenues 
of  the  United  States.  They  demand,  too,  as  their  right, 
that  their  ports  and  harbors  shall  be  fortified,  and  the 
approaches  thereto  made  safe  by  light-houses  and  charts 
based  upon  accurate  surveys  ; that  the  navigation  of  their 
rivers  shall  be  improved ; that  the  public  lands  within 
their  limits  shall  aid  in  building  the  iron  roads  by  which 
their  value  is  to  be  infinitely  increased  ; that  they  shall 
share  equally  in  the  benefits  of  the  postal  system  of  the 
United  States ; that  the  territory  won  by  the  common 
blood,  or  purchased  by  the  common  treasure  of  the  North 
and  the  South,  shall  hereafter  be  the  common  property  of 
both ; and  that,  so  far  as  the  legislation  of  the  Genera! 
Government  is  concerned,  it  shall  hereafter  consider  Itself 
as  a trustee,  holding  a fund,  both  of  capital  and  power^ 
belonging  jointly  to  the  North  and  South,  to  admlniater 
which  honestly,  fairly  and  equally,  is  its  highest  duty  and 
most  sacred  obligation. 


Southern  Commercial  Convention, 


to 


6.  That  6«lf-preservatiou  being  the  first  law  of  human 
nature,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Southern  States  firmly  to 
Unite  among  themselves,  forgetting  all  partisan  differences 
and  the  insanities  of  all  former  contests  by  which  they 
have  been  heretofore  divided  ; that  they  ought  to  encour- 
age manufactures,  eease  to  be  mere  dependent  tributaries 
or  the  Northern  States,  educate  their  children  at  home, 
deTelop  their  own  resources  by  a liberal  and  generous 
use  of  their  capital,  and  speedily  open  for  themselves  a di- 
reat  communication  With  the  Pacific  and  the  principal 
parts  of  Europe. 

6.  That  this  Convention  will  now  proceed  to  set  forth 
such  measures  as  the  Southern  States  have  the  right  to 
demand  and  do  demand  of  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  ashing  for  and  recommending  nothing  more  j and 
will  also  proceed  to  suggest  to  the  Legislatures  of  the 
Southern  States  such  legisation  as  in  its  opinion,  will 
tend  to  create  and  perpetuate  union  and  harmony  among 
those  States,  and  secure  their  individual  and  collective 
prosperity  and  independence. 

7.  That  whatever  is  necessary  to  be  done  in  order  to 
secure  and  maintain  the  rights  and  independence  of  the 
South,  and  to  give  her  at  least  her  fair  share  of  the  com- 
merce of  the  world,  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  South  herself 
to  do  with  her  own  resources,  even  if  the  aid  which  she 
has  the  right  to  demand  of  the  General  Government 
should  be  entirely  denied  to  her  ; and  a decent  and  manly 
self-respect  reqidres  that  she  should  proceed  to  do  what 
needs  to  be  done,  without  further  besieging  the  doors  of 
Congress  and  the  White  House  with  petitions,  memorials 
and  supplications — a humiliation  not  atoned  for  by  even 
the  poor  merit  of  success, 

8-  That  this  Convention,  not  discouraged  by  the  unpro- 
pllious  circumstances  which  have  attended  its  meeting  in 
NewOrleans,  will  adjourn,  when  it  does  adjourn,  to  meet 
in  Richmond,  Va.,  on  the  first  Monday  of 
next,  at  which  meeting  it  earnestly  invites  all  the 
Southern  States  and  cities  to  be  numerously  repre- 
sented, In  order  that  they  may  there  counsel  together  in 
regard  to  the  common  welfare  and  the  common  honor  of 
the  South. 

9.  That  this  Convention,  and  the  States  which  it  repre- 
sents, so  far  from  favoring  disunion  or  secession,  will 
never  consent  to  release  the  Northern  States  and  people 
from  a single  obligation  or  the  performance  of  the  light- 
est duty  imposed  upon  them  by  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States  ; but  frankly  demanding  their  rights,  they 
will  prepare  manfully  to  maintain  them ; to  that  end 
strenuously  endeavoring  to  make  themselves  united,  proa- 
pereua  and  independent ; profoundly  impressed  with  the 
conviction  that  with  the  same  institutions  they  must  par- 
take of  the  same  fortune  and  share  the  same  common 
destiny  ; and  in  this  great  work  they  will  not  cease  to  re- 
member that 

Justice  is  mightier  than  ship^. 

Right,  than  the  cannon’s  brazen  lips, 

And  Truth,  averting  dark  eclipse. 

Makes  nations  prosperous. 

These,  Mr.  President,  embody  my  own  views  of  the  du- 
ties devolving  upon  this  Convention.  Why,  Sir,  there 
were  but  fifty-six  men  who  signed  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence,  and  when  this  Convention  has  been  least 
numerously  attended  there  have  been  more  of  us  present 
than  there  were  in  that  body.  We  may  exercise  a power- 
ful influence  on  the  South  and  the  West.  We  may  say 
that,  to  some  extent,  the  destiny  of  this  country  rests  in 
our  own  hands.  If  we  give  up  this  Southern  Convention, 
how  is  it  to  be  renewed  again  ? When  this  is  abandoned, 
who  will  advocate  any  organization  at  all  ? I hold  it  to 
be  the  duty  of  this  Convention  to  defend  itself  against 
open  attacks  from  abroad  and  insidious  sneers  at  home. 
There  were  sent  me,  during  last  summer,  two  numbers  of 
the  St.  Louis  Democrat,  containing  articles  on  the  disuoion 
Convention  and  its  plan  for  the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad. 
The  author,  I was  credibly  informed,  is  a gentleman  once 
distinguished  as  a member  of  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States.  I need  not  say,  when  I name  him,  or  when  I 
speak  of  his  thirty  years’  service  in  the  Senate,  by  what 
knightly  courtesy,  by  what  a rare  and  admirable  amenity, 
these  articles  are  distinguished.  I need  not  say  that  the 
writer  never  descends  to  personalities,  nor  indulges  in  in- 
vective or  abuse,  but  ever  presetTM  the  tone  of  a man  of 


good  breeding  and  a gentleman.  1 heed  not  say  that 
while  time  has  whitened  his  locks  it  has  softened  the  tone 
of  his  feelings  until  he  no  longer  entertains  animosities, 
or  forms  uncharitable  opinions  on  judgments  of  other 
men.  He  denounces  this  Convention  as  a disunion  Con- 
vention, and  its  plan  for  the  construction  of  a Southern 
Pacific  Railroad  as  a plan  for  the  dissolution  of  the  Union. 

I will  not  insult  this  Convention  by  reading  it  all.  It 
is  a direct  attack  upon  the  Southern  Convention,  as  a 
body  organized  for  disunion  and  secession.  It  is  un 
worthy  the  attention  of  any  one.  Its  author  even  de- 
scends so  far  as  to  apply  a nick- name  to  the  author  of  the 
memoir  upon  the  sut^ect  of  the  Pacific  Road,  and  thus 
brands  himself  in  the  estimation  of  all  decent  men  as  one 
whom  Tacitus  characterizes  as  hominea  atercore  nati 
lutoque  compositi  I am  ready  to  say,  in  behalf  of  the 
Convention  at  Charleston,  and  the  citizens  of  the  State 
in  which  it  assembled,  that  never  was  there  a more 
patriotic  body  assembled.  I told  them  I did  not  believe  I 
entertained  a single  political  principle  that  was  not 
directly  opposed  to  their  own,  and  yet  they  listened  to  me 
with  patience  and  indulgence  when  I professed  a warm 
devotion  to  the  maxim  I had  long  before  learned  to  be- 
lieve, that  men  are  ever  better  than  they  seem  to  be,  and 
that  if  we  judged  others  as  we  judge  ourselves  we  would 
form  a more  charitable  opinion  than  we  are  in  the  habit 
of  forming.  As  is  customary  on  such  occasions,  when  the 
stars  and  stripes  surround  the  speaker,  and  the  form  of 
the  Father  of  his  Country  seems  to  preside  over  the  deli- 
berations of  the  meeting,  frequent  references  were  made 
to  the  Union  and  the  Constitution,  and  I do  not  recollect 
a single  such  allusion  that  was  not  received  with  the 
most  enthusiastic  applause.  There  was  not  a single  word 
uttered  that  tended  towards  a dissolution  of  the  Union 

Mr.  President,  I return  to  the  plan  approved  by  your 
committee. 

My  convictions  are  that  such  a company  can  be  formed 
and  the  stock  taken.  If  one  half  of  the  stock  is  taken  in 
the  South,  the  other  half  will  be  taken  in  the  city  of 
NewTork.  And  my  opinion  is  that  when  a company  is 
formed,  a contract  can  be  made  with  the  United  States  to 
carry  the  mail,  munitions  of  war  and  troops  of  the  United 
States  for  a term  of  years,  and  payment  made  in  advance 
in  bonds  of  the  United  States.  This  may  be  chimerical. 
It  may  be  chimerical  to  attempt  to  carry  on  any  great 
work  in  the  South;  but,  if  so,  it  is  the  fault  of  the  Southern 
States  and  the  Southern  people.  It  is  time  that  we  should 
look  about  us,  and  see  in  what  relation  we  stand  to  the 
North.  From  the  rattle  with  which  the  nurse  tickles  the 
ear  of  the  child  born  in  the  South  to  the  shroud  that 
covers  the  cold  form  of  the  dead,  every  thing  comes  to  us 
from  the  North.  We  rise  from  between  sheets  made  in 
Northern  looms,  and  pillows  of  Northern  feathers,  to 
wash  in  basins  made  in  tha.  North,  dry  our  beards  on 
Northern  towels,  and  dress  ourselves  in  garments  woven 
in  Northern  looms;  we  eat  from  Northern  plates  and 
dishes;  our  rooms  are  swept  with  Northern  brooms,  our 
gardens  dug  with  Northern  spades,  and  our  bread  kneaded 
in  trays  or  dishes  of  Northern  wood  or  tin;  and  the  very 
wood  which  feeds  our  fires  is  cut  with  Northern  axes, 
helved  with  hickory  brought  from  Connecticut  and  New- 
York. 

And  so  we  go  on  from  the  beginning  to  the  end.  We 
hardly  put  any  thing  on  ourselves  or  in  ourselves  that 
does  not  come  from  the  North.  It  is  high  time  the^e 
things  were  changed.  It  is  high  time  that  our  plants  rs 
should  be  taught  to  know  that  no  country  can  produce 
alone,  and  manufacture  nothing,  and  still  prosper.  Why 
cannot  three  or  four  planters  manufacture  their  own 
shoe»for  their  servants,  their  own  coarse  cotton  goods, 
as  well  as  let  our  Northern  neighbors  do  it  ? Legislation 
will  not  correct  this  evil.  It  is  occupied  for  the  most  part 
in  defining  crime  and  affixing  punisbm*  lus  for  the  viola- 
tion of  the  laws,  and  other  matterf>  which  concern  the 
body  politic  alone,  and  the  soul  politic  not  at  all.  How 
much,  sir,  has  legislation  done  to  leach  the  South  to  be 
independent,  self  dependent  aixi  self  reliant?  Little  or 
nothing.  But  it  cannot  be  expected  that  a Commercial 
Convention  can  produce  any  uselul  result  when  commit- 
tees appointed  by  it  pay  uo  attention  to  subjects  commit- 
ted to  them,  after  adjournment,  and  make  no  efforts  to 
procure  the  necessary  Information  on  which  to  make  re- 


Southern  0onim6tcial  Convention. 


11 


port  to  the  next  setting  of  the  ConTention.  I hope  that 
eommittees  will  be  appointed  at  this  session  that  will  work 
during  the  recess,  and  be  prepared  to  make  full  reports  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention.  But  to  return  to  the 
accusation  of  disunion.  I never  expected,  when  I went 
to  Charleston,  and  took  my  seat  in  the  Convention,  that  I 
should  have  to  defend  myself  against  the  accusation  that 
I went  too  far  as  a champion  of  the  rights  of  the  States. 
The  first  charge  against  me  there,  preferred  by  a distin- 
guished jurist  from  Georgia,  was  that  I went  too  far  in 
vindicating  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  several  States 
of  the  Union.  It  was  thought  that  the  attempt  to  fra- 
ternize the  Southern  States,  and  induce  them  to  unite 
and  form  an  alliance  among  themselves,  for  their  mutual 
defense  and  common  welfare,  was  a violation  of  the  Con- 
stitution. I found  the  supposed  secessionists  of  the  South 
East  to  be  stricter  construct’ onists  of  the  rights  of  the 
States  than  I,  latituiinarian  as  I was.  The  Constitution 
provides  that  no  State  shall  form  any  treaty  or  alliance  with 
any  other  State.  But  this  applies  to  no  such  alliances 
as  this  plan  proposes.  We  have  a right  to  form  such  an 
alliance  to  promote  the  common  weal.  It  is  not  politi- 
cal in  its  character,  and  does  not  violate  the  Constitution. 
It  is  no  doubt  a great  truth  that  power  is  alway  gliding 
from  the  many  to  the  few.  But,  sir,  there  is  another 
thing  equally  true.  That,  where  two  sections  of  country 
exist,  having  antagonistic  interests,  that  portion  in  the 
minority  will  gradually  become  less  and  less  powerful  un- 
less it  understands  its  own  rights  and  is  ever  vigilant  to 
defend  them 

We  know,  Mr.  President,  that  the  prej  idices  of  the 
world  are  against  our  Southern  institution  s,  and  that  all 
the  world  is  prepared  to  war  against  thes  e institutions. 
By  the  constitutional  obligations  of  the  Nsrth  they  are 
bound  to  surrender  our  slave  property.  Now,  sir,  what- 
ever judges  and  courts  of  justice  may  decile,  I hold  that 
common  sense  teaches  us  all  that  the  mutual  obligations 
existing  between  these  United  States  bind  them  to 
render  active  assistance  in  returning  our  fugitive 
slaves  ; and  that  they  violate  the  Constitutien  when  they 
refuse  to  allow  their  tribunals  of  justice  and  their  ofidcers 
to  perform  that  duty.  There  is  another  view  of  this  mat- 
ter. We  are  bound  together  in  one  common  brotherhood, 
and  have  obligated  ourselves  to  labor  for  the  benefit  of  all. 
Put  tbe  question  to  any  honest  Northern  man,  and  be 
will  admit  that  they  do  not  comply  in  that  spirit.  Now, 
he  who  violates  that  brotherly  feeling  violates  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States.  They  tell  us  we  have  no 
right  to  unite  for  the  common  welfare.  They  say,  too. 
that  they  are  under  no  legal  obligation  to  restore  fugitive 
slaves.  I say  this  is  a mere  quibble — added  to  tbe  crime 
of  violation  of  the  Constitution,  the  greater  crime  of  an 
attempt  to  shelter  themselves  behind  its  letter.  It  is  our 
right,  and  our  duty  to  the  Union  itself  requires  us  to  unite 
and  make  ourselves  independent  of  the  North,  in  the 
Union  and  within  the  Constitution.  Our  manifest  duty  is 
to  uevelop  our  own  resources— to  apply  the  labor  of  the 
South  to  as  many  uses  as  possible— to  open  out  a Pacific 
communication  that  wili  give  us  the  commerce  of  the 
world. 

What  do  you  expect  from  our  Northern  brethren? 
They  are  bound  to  maintain  fraternal  relations.  But 
they  have  not  complied  with  the  obligations  they  have 
assumed.  A man’s  warmest  affections  cling  around  his 
wife  and  children,  then  his  neighborhood,  his  State,  his 
section  of  the  country.  His  patriotism,  a weaker  feel- 
ing, fills  a larger  circle.  The  votes  of  great  cities  are 
controlled  by  their  commercial  interests,  and  they  cannot 
be  expected  to  aid  in  building  up  rival  cities.  When  the 
new  territories  of  Washington,  Oregon,  Nebraska,  Kansas 
and  Minnesota  become  States  of  this  Union — when  eight 
or  ten  members  from  free  States  have  been  added  to  tbe 
Senate,  then  you  will  see  a railroad  built  to  tbe  Pacific 
Ocean  by  the  votes  of  these  men,  who  have  no  constitu- 
tional scruples  to  stand  in  tbe  way.  Then  you  will  see 
the  Government  of  tbe  United  States  assisting  in  this 
great  national  work,  and  building  the  road,  with  national 
means,  from  a point  north  of  St.  Louis.  Then  will  tbe 
scepter  have  passed  away  from  the  South  for,  ever.  “ God 
helps  those  who  help  themselves,”  I have  said  and  I re- 
peat it  again.  He  helps  that  people  who  help  themselves. 
Have  we  not  the  courage,  manhood  ftnd  resolution  to 


engage  vigorously  in  this  great  work  ? Do  we  mean  to 
sit  down  in  inglorious  ease,  apathy  and  indifference,  and 
see  this  great  national  work  taken  from  our  bands  ? This 
is  the  question  for  us  to  consider. 

And,  sir,  are  we  to  be  deterred  from  doing  our  duty  in 
regard  to  this  Convention  by  the  sneers  of  the  ignorant 
and  inconsiderate?  Who  ever  succeeded  in  any  great 
scheme  for  the  benefit  of  the  public  without  having  to 
labor  year  after  year,  and  sometimes  a whole  life-time,  and 
go  down  to  his  grave  without  seeing  hi.s  plans  accom- 
plished ? He  who  is  not  Willing  to  toil  for  years  and  to  go 
down  to  bis  grave  unhonored,  is  not  fit  to  be  a laborer  in 
the  common  weal.  If  you  are  willing  to  struggle  against 
indifference,  apathy  and  ingratitude  ; if  you  are  willing  to 
labor  for  the  benefit  of  men  who  are  to  be  most  ben- 
efited, and  who  never  bestow  a thought  upon  you,  then 
you  are  a fit  laborer  in  the  cause  of  your  country.  If  you 
are  willing  to  do  as  the  better  portion  of  creation  ought  to 
do,  to  labor  for  what  is  right,  without  the  hope  of  reward, 
then  you  are  a fit  laborer  in  the  cause  of  your  common 
country.  If  you  are  to  be  deterred  from  doing  your  duty 
by  the  sneers  of  a few  journals  and  legislators,  then  will 
apathy  and  indifference  settle  down  upon  you  like  a pall, 
and  you  are  unfit  to  aspire  to  the  name  of  public  bene- 
factors. Your  country  wants  soldiers  who  will  stand  ex- 
posed to  the  artillery  through  a long  fight  and  never 
flinch ; soldiers  who  love  the  cause  because  it  is  just, 
whether  they  are  successful  or  not  Let  us  fight  on  ! We 
wins  encounter  difficulties — we  shall  be  aspersed  by  un- 
scrupulous men — but  such  charges  as  are  made  against 
this  Convention  are  not  worthy  of  repetition.  The  sand 
used  to  dry  the  ink  With  which  the  contradiction  would 
be  written  would  be  a wasteful  expenditure. 

Now,  Sir,  what  is  it  that  it  concerns  us  to  inquire  ? Is 
it  not  whether  you  have  a holy  love  for  tbe  Union  and  a 
sacred  veneration  for  that  instrument,  the  Constitution, 
next  in  importance  and  excellence  to  that  Book  on  the 
pages  of  which  God’s  finger  has  written  his  Revelation  T 
If  you  have  that  love  ^or  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States,  then  you  are  to  consider  what  is  the  best  mode  of 
perpetuating  that  Union.  I hold  that  the  only  method  is 
to  make  the  Sooth  strong  to  defend  her  rights  and  to  re- 
sent all  insults,  by  whomever  offered.  Mr.  President,  1 
was  born  in  the  North — I was  educated  in  the  Free 
Schools  of  the  North — I love  its  institutions.  They  have 
made  me  all  that  I am  and  all  that  I expect  to  be.  But  I 
have  cast  my  fortune  in  the  South.  Southern  soil  covers 
the  remains  of  four  of  my  children.  All  my  affections  are 
centered  here.  I love  the  South  as  one  must  love  the 
country  in  whose  bosom  he  has  buried  his  first-born.  It 
is,  therefore,  no  affectation  when  I claim  to  be  wholly 
Southern  in  my  feelings  and  principles. 

I do  not  present  these  views  that  as  singular  or  extreme 
they  may  attract  public  attention — I present  them  because 
they  are  the  dictates  of  my  sober  judgment.  Though  they 
seem  to  be  strong  in  language,  they  are  the  result  of 
calm  and  serious  reflection.  I see,  sir,  only  two  alterna- 
tives ; we  must  strengthen  ourselves  within  the  Constitu- 
tion or  ultimately  resort  to  a dissolution  of  the  Union, 
which  may  Providence  avert ! Mr.  President  no  one  can 
remain  in  happiness  in  any  connection  of  human  life,  if 
he  finds  he  is  compelled  to  forfeit  his  own  self-respect. 
Even  in  the  most  holy  connection  of  this  age,  if  an  irk- 
some sense  of  inferiority  weighs  upon  either  party,  that 
collection  will  prove  to  be  the  greatest  curse  that  the 
country  ever  inflicted  upon  humanity.  You  cannot 
place  a collar  on  any  man’s  neck  and  write  upon  it,  This 
is  Gurtb,  the  born  thrall  of  Cedric,  the  Saxon,”  and  ex- 
pect the  wearer  to  imagine  himself  free.  If  we  are  to  re- 
main in  this  Union  we  must  continue  to  preserve  that 
proud  and  lofty  bearing  of  perfect  independence  and 
equality  with  which  we  came  into  it. 

Mr.  President,  we  are  all  perfectly  aware  of  what  we 
ought  to  do.  The  only  difficulty  is  in  reducing  that  be- 
lief to  practice.  Is  there  any  other  method  more  effec- 
tual than  that  of  calling  Conventions  to  deliberate  on  the 
common  welfare  of  these  States  T I confess  I know  of  no 
other.  It  seems  to  me  that  if  we  had  done  nothing  more 
than  to  direct  public  attention  towards  the  plan  for  con- 
structing a Southern  Pacific  Railroad,  we  have  accom- 
plished enough  to  merit  the  favor  of  the  South.  I be- 
Ueyq  that  the  public  min^  }gt  Uio  South  is  feelingly  alive 


12 


Mouthem  Commercial  Convention. 


to  the  impoxtanee  of  these  ConTentions,  and  ready  to  co- 
operate in  any  morement  practical  in  its  nature  and  cal- 
culated to  adrance  the  public  welfare.  I confess,  sir.  I 
wish  to  see  the  time  when  the  capital  of  other  States  will 
will  come  into  my  own  State,  and  bring  to  the  surface  the 
Tast  mineral  wealth  that  lies  buried  in  her  bosom. 

I wish  to  see  the  time  when  our  rast  coal  measures 
shall  become  such  a source  of  wealth  and  national  indepen- 
dence to  us  as  those  of  Great  Britain  haye  been  to  her. 
But  that  is  the  least  of  the  motiyes  which  actuate  me. 
I labor  for  the  prosperity  of  the  South  and  for  her  inde- 
pendence. It  has  been  said  that  no  word  uttered  by  the 
slightest  man  was  lost,  but  has  and  will  continue  to.haye 
effect  in  coming  time.  We  speak  of  great  scenes  being 
enacted  in  the  war  of  Europe.  They  haye  their  effect 
upon  the  human  race  as  the  storm,  as  it  sweeps  along  in 
its  course,  has  its  effect  upon  the  forests  that  vainly  oppose 
its  progress.  There  were  noble  and  brave  deeds  done  by 
woman  during  our  war  of  independence,  that  have  exer- 
cise 1 a greater  influence  on  the  destinies  of  the  American 
people  than  all  the  legislation  of  a century.  I have 
spoken  elsewhere  of  Mrs  Motte,  who  supplied  to  Marion 
the  arrows  tipped  with  fire,  wherewith  to  burn  down  her 
own  property  occupied  by  the  enemy.  Shoul  l war  ever 
again  call  on  the  youth  of  South  Carolina  to  rally  to  the 
support  of  the  starry  flag  of  our  common  ecu ntiy— that 
single  act  of  devotion  and  hrroiem  would  <xert  more 
influence  than  all  the  legislation  since  the  existence  of 
our  country  commenced.  And  a noble  thought  or  high 
sentiment  uttered  here  may  he  mightier  for  a century  to 
come  than  all  the  legislation  of  the  Union  or  the  victor- 
ries  of  Napoleon.  Such  words  and  thoughts  are  the 
noblest  estate  of  the  people  among  which  they  are 
uttered. 

There  are  single  passagesin  the  writings  of  Daniel  Web- 
ster that  will  exercise  more  iofluence  imou  the  youth  of 
America  than  all  the  statutes  of  this  Union.  There  are 
songs  written  by  men  whose  names  are  now  forgotten  that 
are  more  to  the  American  people  than  a regiment  of  bayo- 
nets. " Let  him  who  will  make  the  laws  of  a nation  if 
1 may  but  make  its  songs,”  was  well  and  truly  said.  The 
apparently  trifling  song  of  Silliballero  was  the  chief  cause 
of  the  downfall  of  James  II.  How  much  influence  do  you 
ima^ne  the  songs  of  our  own  country  are  exerting  ? Do 
yon  imagine  that  we  should  make  a profitable  bargain  in 
case  of  a new  war,  by  exchanging  the  song  of  Yankee 
Doodle  for  fifty  thousand  foreign  soldiers  led  by  a Eield 
Marshal  ? This  is  a kind  of  property  you  cannot  trade 
away  with  profit.  You  can  not  profitably  part  with  your 
lofty  thoughts  and  noble  sentiments  any  more  than  we 
can  profitably  part  with  our  own  souls. 

This  kind  of  property  we  can  create  in  this  Convention. 
Yon  call  utter  noble  thoughts,  you  can  mrect  imperishable 
monuments  that  shall  live  from  age  to  age.  It  is  the 
proudest  object  of  the  human  mind  to  utter  a thought 
that  shall  live  through  ail  coming  time.  Mr.  President, 
if  this  Convention  and  its  three  predecessors  shall  suc- 
ceed in  uttering  one  single  thought  that  shall  live  through 
all  time,  it  will  have  amply  repaid  the  labor  of  its  mem- 
bers and  have  given  them  the  happy  assurance  that  they 
have  done  something  for  their  country  and  their  age.  It 
has  been  said  that  a monument  is  the  embodiment  of  a 
single  lofty  sentiment  in  marble.  I would  have  this  Con- 
vention aid  in  building  such  a monument,  not  in  marble, 
but  in  iron ; an  arm  of  iron  extending  across  the  con- 
tinent and  clutching  the  Pacific  in  its  grasp,  and  when 
that  monument  is  built,  that  embodiment  of  the  great 
idea  of  the  age,  of  some  one  standing  near  it  while  the 
commerce  of  the  world  goes  rushing  by  him  as  on  the 
wings  of  the  wind,  and  after  our  bones  are  mouldered  into 
dust,  should  say  with  truth  that  to  this  Convention  sow 
assembled  in  NewOrleans  that  great  work  was  in  any  de- 
gree owing,  we  should  be  amply  repaid  for  all  our  labors 
)B  the  cause  of  our  country. 

Mr.  Stith,  of  Louisiana,  moved  that  Mr.  Pike 
be  requested  to  prepare  a copy  of  his  speech  for 
publication.  Carried, 

After  dieonanop,  the  whole  subjeet  of  the  Pa^ 


cific  Railroad  was  laid  on  the  table,  subject  to 
call,  and  the  resolutions  ordered  to  be  printed. 

Qen.  McLeod,  of  Texas,  gave  notice  of  his 
intention  to  speak  to-morrow  on  the  subject  of 
the  Pacific  Railroad. 

Judge  Alexander  Walker,  of  Louisiana,  also 
gave  notice  of  his  intention  to  reply  to  certsun 
parts  of  Mr.  Pike’s  speech. 

Mr.  N.  D.  Coleman,  of  Mississippi,  offered  a 
preamble  and  resolutions,  soliciting  the  aid  of 
Congress  in  constructing  a Pacific  Railroad. 
Referred  to  the  Railroad  Committee. 

Dr.  Cartwright,  of  Louisiana,  presented  a 
preamble  and  resolutions  setting  forth  the  evil 
caused  to  the  Southern  States  by  the  closing  of 
Bayous  Manchac  and  Terre  aux  Boeufs  during 
the  last  war,  and  petitioning  Congress  t-o 
remedy  the  evil  by  making  appropriations  for  a 
ship  canal  between  the  Mississippi  River  and 
Lake  Borgne,  ten  miles  below  NewOrleans.  6e- 
ferred  to  the  General  Committee. 

Mr.  J.  H.  McNeill,  of  Tennessee,  presented 
the  following  resolution,  which  was  referred  to 
the  General  Committee : 

Resolved.,  That,  in  the  estimation  of  this  Oonvention.  the 
abandonment  of  the  Navy  Yard  at  the  city  of  Memphis 
does  not  meet  the  approbation  of  the  Southern  and  West- 
ern States,  and  should  be  re-established. 

Mr.  J.  A.  Watkins,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the 
following,  which  were  referred  to  the  same  com- 
mittee : 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Oonvention,  Oon- 
gress  should  make  an  appropriation  to  aid  in  the  con- 
struction of  a ship-canal  or  railroad  across  the  Peninsula 
of  Florida,  at  such  point  as  may  be  selected  by  a Beard  of 
Engineers  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Oonvention,  the 
several  Southern  States  bordering  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean 
and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  are  deeply  interested  in  the  fur- 
therance  of  a work  the  object  of  which  is  the  protection  of 
life  and  property,  and  the  facility  of  our  commercial  rela  - 
tions  with  a large  portion  of  the  world  with  which  we  hold 
intercourse  ; and  that,  in  view  of  this  fact,  liberal  appro- 
priations should  be  made  by  those  States  in  furtherance 
of  the  contemplated  enterprise. 

Mr,  De  Cordova,  of  Texas,  offered  the  follow- 
ing, which  were  also  referred  to  the  General 
Committee : 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  the 
present  tariff,  causing  the  accumulation  of  large  quanti- 
ties of  the  circulating  medium  of  the  country  m the 
Treasury  of  the  United  States,  should  be  materially  modi- 
fied by  Congress  at  the  present  session. 

Resolved,  That  the  withdrawal  from  circulation  of  the 
large  amount  of  coin  now  in  and  daily  accumulating  in 
the  Treasury  of  the  General  Government,  tends  materially 
to  disorganize  the  monetary  system  of  the  commercial 
portion  of  the  States,  and  has  a corresponding  bad  effect 
on  all  other  classes. 

Resolved,  That  the  extension  and  completion  of  the  rail- 
roads now  in  progress  in  the  South  and  Southwest  are  ren- 
dered imperqtirely  necessary  by  the  w»nte  of  trade  and 


Stiofhern  Commtreial  Convtntion. 


1» 


ftod  ueoessary  to  enable  the  farmers  of  that 
teetlon  of  our  country  to  send  their  produce  to  market. 

Resokei,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  every 
facility  should  be  given  to  obtain  railroad  iron  and  mate- 
rial* as  cheap  a s possible  ; therefore  they  recommend  the 
mem\jers  of  Congress  representing  the  South  and  South- 


F  0 U R T 

Friday,  January  12, 1855. 

The  Convention  assembled  at  Hi  o’clock.  A 
prayer  was  offered  up  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Colton, 
of  Mississippi. 

The  journal  was  read  and  approved. 

Hon.  John  Moore,  of  Louisiana,  Chairman  of 
the  General  Committee,  reported  back  to  the 
Convention,  as  worthy  of  its  consideration, 
various  resolutions  which  had  been  referred  to 
the  committee. 

The  Rev.  C.  K.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Education  ap- 
pointed by  the  Charleston  Convention,  rose  to 
make  his  report.  He  read  a report  from  the 
committee,  stating  that  they  had  been  actively 
engaged  in  collecting  information  and  preparing 
facts  for  the  consideration  of  the  Southern  peo- 
ple, and  submitting,  for  re-affirmation,  the 
series  of  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Charleston 
Convention.  [These  resolutions  urge  the  pa- 
rents and  guardians  of  the  South  to  consider 
the  claims  of  the  South  in  the  education  of  their 
children,  and  recommend  the  Legislatures  of 
the  Southern  States  to  encourage  home  author- 
ship and  school-book  making.] 

Mr.  Marshall  remarked,  by  way  of  introduc- 
tion, that  he  felt  the  importance  of  being,  brief  as  the 
OonventioD  was  drawing  near  to  a close.  He  was  greatly 
obliged  to  the  Convention  for  the  courtesy  extended  him, 
and  proposed  to  proceed  directly  to  the  discussion  of  the 
subject  under  consideration.  He  raid,  we  do  not  propose 
to  legislate  on  this  question,  but  we  do  intend  to  mould 
and  put  in  motion  public  opinifin  and  a great  and  mighty 
feeling.  Though  we  do  not  now  realize  the  fruits  of  labor, 
there  is,  to  men  of  foresight  who  understand  the  nature  of 
circumstances,  a certain  prospect  of  a golden  future.  We 
have  already  accomplished  more  by  these  Conventions 
than  forty  Legislatures  during  the  last  half  century.  It 
is  our  duty  and  privilege  to  reform  the  errors  of  the  North. 
We  do  not  desire  to  be  independent  of  the  Northern  States, 
but  independent  in  the  Union  and  equal  with  them  That 
is  our  position.  What  though  you  build  railroads,  con- 
struct lighthouses,  and  cut  new  channels  in  which  to  lead 
the  “ Father  of  Waters  ; ” though  your  agricultural  fa- 
cilities be  multiplied,  in  what  way  will  any  of  these  enter- 
prises affect  the  iuteregts  of  education  f I say,  Sir,  that 


west  to  vote  for  the  entire  abolition  of  duty  on  railroad 
iron  and  materials. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  11  o’clock 
of  the  following  day. 


H DAY. 


we  cannot  compete  successfully  with  the  Northern  States 
in  any  commercial  enterprise  unless  we  have  educated 
merchants  to  open  direct  communication  with  Europe, 
who  Y.ill  start  our  proud  and  noble  steamers  from  Balti- 
more, Charleston  or  New  Orleans  to  the  various  ports  of 
Europe.  I hold  that  it  is  the  prime  object  of  this  country 
to  teach  her  sons  correctly.  Who  doubts  the  fact  that 
education  has  the  same  effect  upon  the  youthful  mind 
that  the  sculptor’s  chisel  has  upon  marble  ? that  we  can 
so  shape  the  flexible  mind  in  youth,  as  to  make  it  what 
we  desire  ? 

We  have  not  the  means  of  education  at  home.  Our 
planters  are  compelled  to  send  their  sons  and  daughters  to 
Northern  Colleges  and  Seminaries.  This  practice  is  most 
ruinous  to  the  South.  What  is  the  present  position  of 
Northern  Institutions  ? One  of  the  Professors  of  Yale  has 
already  said  he  would  shoulder  his  musket  and  march  tu 
any  fleld  to  prevent  the  extension  of  slavery.  What  may 
be  expected  of  other  Northern  Colleges,  when  Yale  sets 
such  HQ  example  ? Sir,  I do  not  believe  a young  man 
can  he  safely  educated  in  the  North  at  the  present  time. 

Gracious  Heavens  ! what  feelings  must  exist  in  a family 
when  a son  or  daughter  returns  from  some  of  the  North- 
ern institutions  and  earnestly  beseeches  his  father  to 
emancipate  his  slaves?  These  Northern  fanatic  profes- 
sors have  taught  them  that  slavery  is  wrong.  Their 
class  books  are  full  of  denunciations  of  the  institution  of 
slavery.  They  have  taught  them  that  it  is  wrong  to  do 
as  Abraham  and  St.  Paul  did.  I insist  upon  the  correct 
training  of  the  mind  of  the  child — of  its  cultivation  in 
the  most  enlightened  manner.  We  have  proposed  a plan 
for  the  establishment  of  institutions  at  home  necessary 
for  the  education  of  our  people,  and  we  shall  keep  the 
subject  constantly  before  the  people  until  they  shall  begin 
to  realize  their  deep  personal  interest  in  the  matter 
When  we  can  get  the  plan  we  propose  adopted,  then  we 
can  successfully  maintain  our  independent  position 
towards  the  North.  But,  sir,  what  has  been  the  opinion 
of  distinguished  statesmen  on  this  subject  ? I will  read  a 
letter  from  Thomas  J efferson  showing  the  ruinous  ten- 
dencies of  the  practice  of  sending  our  sons  and  daughters 
to  Northern  institutions.  [Reads  the  extract.]  I shall  say 
DO  more  with  regard  to  our  institutions  of  learning.  On 
the  subject  of  slavery  I propose  to  say  a few  words.  I re- 
gard it  as  very  dangerous  to  lay  before  the  youthful  mind 
any  thing  that  will  prejudice  it  against  slavery.  I believe 
the  institution  of  slavery  to  he  right— that  God  has  estab- 
lished it  and  has  civilized  man  through  this  institution 
I believe  that  in  fifty  years’  time  slavery  will  occupy  twice 
as  much  territory  as  it  now  does.  We  do  not  ask  any 
favors  of  the  North — we  simply  ask  to  do  our  own  work 
in  our  own  way.  They  are  educating  our  sons  and  daugh- 
ters at  home.  Northern  teachers  are  coming  in  upon  us 
and  poisoning  our  children’s  minds  with  fanatical  opin- 
ions. Would  you  believe  that  one  of  the  public  school 
books  of  this  city  is  a work  more  objectionable  than 

Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  ” ever  was  conceived  to  be  ? I refer 
to  a production  of  a good  but  misguided  fanatic  man.  I 
allude  to  Mr.  Wayland’s  Moral  Science.  A professor  in 
one  of  our  Southern  colleges  once  said  to  a young  lady,  a 
student  of  the  institution,  “ You  may  study  this  work, 
but  the  chapter  between  pages  110  and  132  you  may  omit. 


14 


Southern  Commereial  Contention. 


as  you  will  not  be  ezamioed  on  this  section.”  ....  On 
examination  day  this  young  lady  said  to  the  Profes- 
sor, I want  you  to  answer  one  (Question.  If  that  chapter 
is  wrong,  bow  do  I know  but  that  they  are  all  wrong  ? ” 
It  is  an  ultra  abolition  book,  and  these  books  are  the  hands 
of  Briareus,  hurling  firebrands  of  destruction  in  every 
direction  in  the  midst  of  us.  The  speaker  then  spoke  of 
the  importance  of  introducing  Southern  school  books 
into  our  schools  and  colleges.  That  we  would,  by  edu- 
cating our  children  at  home,  avoid  an  expenditure  of  five 
millions  of  dollars  annually.  He  urged  the  necessity  of 
publishing  an  entire  series  of  school  books  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  the  South.  He  wished  to  see  such  books  brought 
into  general  use.  He  wished  to  see  their  authors  hand- 
fiomel  y compensated  for  their  labors.  He  then  presented 
, an  elegantly  bound  volume  before  the  audience  and  con- 
tinued, This  is  a fine  book.  I would  make  you  a present 
of  it.  Mr,  President,  as  a token  of  my  thanks  for  the  beau- 
tiful compliment  you  paid  the  ladies  yesterday,  if  it  were 
not  for  the  ruinous  sentiments  it  contains.  It  was  “ Ap- 
pleton’s Complete  Guide  of  the  World,”  published  by  D. 
Appleton  & Co.,  New  York.  He  referred  then  to  page  134 
of  this  work  and  read  as  follows  : 

“ Irt  the  Southern  States,  where  the  culture  of  cotton  and 
rice  is  so  largely  carried  on,  the  field  labor  is  for  the  most 
part  performed  by  negro  slaves — a race  of  beings  who  we 
understand  to  be  worse  treated  in  the  American  States 
than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  They  are  very  numer- 
ous, and  as  they  are  aware  of  the  establishment  of  the  black 
government  in  Hayti,  and  the  emancipation  of  the  black 
population  in  Jamaica  and  the  other  British  colonies,  the 
severe  yoke  under  the  burden  of  which  they  have  long 
groaned  must  become  more  and  more  galling  to  them 
every  day.  Nor  is  there  any  doubt  that  the  time  is  rap- 
idly approaching  when  they  will,  by  their  own  bravery, 
wrest  their  independence  from  their  American  masters, 
upon  the  very  same  principle  and  with  the  same  justice 
that  t he  Americans  wrested  their  independence  from  the 
British  Government.  In  the  event  of  a war  between 
B ritain  and  America,  the  British  would  greatly  accelerate 
this  desirable  emancipation  by  landing  a few  black  regi- 
ments from  the  West  Indies,  and  establishing  depots  for 
the  supply  of  arms  at  the  places  on  the  coasts  of  which 
the  black  troops  bad  taken  possession.  There  are  many 
facilities  for  the  supply  of  arms,  and  if  a war  should  ren- 
der the  measure  necessary,  the  success  of  it  is  pretty 
certain.” 

One  would  suppose  from  the  reading  of  this  book  that 
if  ever  any  man  was  sent  to  hell  he  would  only  have  to 
go  from  one  part  of  this  world  to  another.  He  spoke  of 
the  hypocritical  pretensions  of  Great  Britain — the  great- 
est slaveholder  in  the  world — of  her  sending^egiments  of 
soldiers  to  the  bordering  islands  that  if  at  any  time  an 
oatbr,:ak  should  occur  they  might  be  ready  to  assist  in  the 
work  of  emancipation  ; he  hoped  the  allies  would  be  de- 
feated before  Sebastopol,  and  was  loudly  cheered.  He 
thought  this  book  came  '!^ithin  the  list  of  prohibition  in 
the  State  of  Louisiana.  He  read  a portion  of  the  statutes 
of  the  State  of  Louisiana  showing  conclusively  that  such 
books  were  prohibited  from  the  State.  The  eloquent 
speaker  was  enthusiastically  applauded  during  the  deliv- 
ery of  his  very  able  speech,  and  left  on  the  minds  of  all 
his  auditors  a very  high  appreciation  of  his  scholarship 
an  i oratorical  attainments. 

Mr.  McLeod,  of  Texas,  referring  very  beauti- 
fully to  the  remarks  of  the  speaker  that  had  preceded  him 
said,  that  any  addition  to  what  had  been  said  on  his  part 
would  be  a work  of  supererogation.  He  said  he  had  come  as 
tbe  representative  of  a Southern  State  that  last  entered  this 
great  confederacy,  and  he  felt  assured  that  her  position 
here  would  receive  the  respectful  consideration  of  this 
assembly.  You  all  know,  gentlemen,  that  it  is  to  Texas 
and  her  resources  that  we  are  to  look  for  the  construction 
of  an  important  part  of  the  Pacific  Railroad.  I do  not 
underrate  these  resources.  I assert,  as  my  sincere  con- 
viction, that  she  has  an  abundance  with  which  to  liqui- 
date all  claims  against  her,  and  then  go  on  with  clean 
hands  to  raise  the  revenue  necessary  for  the  construction 
of  that  great  work.  I feel,  as  a citisen  of  Texas,  I have  a 


right  to  speak  in  the  name  of  the  people  and  deny  for 
them  a disposition  to  repudiate  one  dollar  of  her  indebt- 
edness. Here  Mr.  McLeod  read  a series  of  resolutions, 
which  he  afterwards  proceeded  to  support.  He  deemed  it 
highly  important  that  these  resolutions  should  be  adopted 
by  this  Convention.  He  referred  to  the  Pacific  Railroad— 
the  great  absorbing  subject  which  has  brought  us 
together,  Texas  would  probably  form  a part  of  the 
territory  through  which  that  road  would  pass.  He  then 
adverted  to  the  fact  that  the  Northern  States  had  already 
completed  several  roads  north  of  the  Ohio,  all  tending 
towards  the  mouth  of  that  river.  He  read  a resolution 
which  he  thought  embodied  the  duty  of  the  South  in  re- 
gard to  what  route  should  be  selected. 

Mr.  McLeod  offered  the  following : 

Resolved^  That  this  Convention  respectfully  recommend 
the  people  of  Texas  to  reconsider  the  legislation  on  their 
public  debt,  and  pay  the  principal  and  interest  thereon 
out  of  their  present  resources  of  money  and  land,  or  out 
of  any  means  which  may  be  appropriated  by  Congress  for 
Indian  spoliations,  or  other  claims  of  Texas  against  the 
United  States. 

Resolved,  That  such  a course  would,  in  the  opinion  of 
this  Convention,  re-establish  the  trade  of  Texas  to  an  ex- 
tent commensurate  with  the  vastness  of  the  Pacific  Rail- 
road enterprise,  and  supply  the  means  for  its  rapid  con- 
struetion,  not  only  across  her  own  fertile  territory,  but  in- 
cluding the  sterile  region  between  the  Rio  Grande  and  the 
Pacific . 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  strongly  recommends,  as 
an  essential  link  in  the  chain  of  the  Southern  Pacific 
Railroad,  that  the  States  of  Virginia,  Kentucky  and  Ten- 
nessee organize  their  means  for  the  construction  of  an 
air-line  railroad  from  the  city  of  Norfolk,  Virginia,  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Ohio,  or  such  point  in  the  vicinity,  within 
the  limits  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee  or  Arkansas,  as  may 
furnish  a convenient  site  for  a depot,  and  connect  readily 
with  the  proposed  road  from  Cairo  to  the  Red  River,  Tex- 
as and  tbe  Pacific. 

Mr.  McLeod  was  listened  to  very  attentively, 
and  we  regret  our  limited  space  precludes  our 
giving  his  speech  in  full. 

Mr.  Walker  prefaced  his  speech  by  remarking 
that  when  the  Convention  was  about  to  take  a vote  upon 
the  resolutions  reported  by  Capt.  Pike,  that  by  moving  to 
lay  them  on  the  table,  he  had  since  learned  that  be  created 
an  expectation  that  he  would  reply  to  his  able  friend  from 
Arkansas.  He  heartily  concurred  in  the  sentiments  of  his 
speech,  and  had  no  desire  to  be  placed  in  antagonistic  re- 
lations with  the  poet  from  Arkansas.  He  had  found 
that  poetry  and  oratory  were  the  essential  elements  of 
all  speeches  acceptable  to  this  Convention,  but  he  bad 
lived  long  enough  in  this  city  to  have  worked  out  all  the 
poetry  of  his  nature. 

No  man,  however,  is  a greater  admirer  of  poetry  and 
oratory  than  I am— those  gifts  that  can  throw  a charm 
and  fascination  over  the  cares  of  life.  The  pleasure  and 
joy  with  which  I welcome  the  gentleman  to  a future  resi- 
dence in  New  Orleans  has  only  been  alloyed  by  the  fear 
that  when  New  Orleans  receives  him  the  West  will 
lose  its  ablest  poet  and  Arkansas  a most  brilliant  orator. 
It  was  not  his  intention  to  detain  the  Convention,  or  re- 
ply to  his  friend,  but  he  would  proceed  to  the  relation  in 
which  New  Orleans  stood  to  this  Convention. 

The  Capt.  represented  her  as  being  lukewarm  as  to  ob- 
jects of  this  Convention.  He  then  went  on  to  state  that 
the  objects  of  the  Convention  are  the  improvement  of  the 
South.  Consequently,  he  would  place  New  Orleans  in  an 
antagonistic  position  and  opposed  to  tbe  best  interests  of 
tbe  Southern  States.  This  certainly  arose  entirely  from 
a misconception.  He  desired  to  address  a few  words  on 
that  subject  to  this  assembly. 

He  said,  one  of  the  great  objects  of  the  Convention  as- 
sembled at  Baltimore  was  to  establish  a Southern  port  on 
the  seacoast,  at  which  imports  could  be  received  from 
Europe,  and  thus  place  the  South  independent  of  the 
Northern  cities.  This  Convention  has  grown,  however,  to 
such  vast  importance  as  to  attempt  to  grasp  every  ques- 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


16 


tion  of  yoiitloal  eaonomy,  Bcieoce  and  philosophy  that 
has  erer  engaged  the  mind  of  man.  When  the  Con^ 
▼ention  met  at  Memphis,  I went  there  with  strong  con- 
viction that  the  waole  scheme  was  to  reverse  the  laws  of 
nature  and  to  create  cities  by  artificial  means. 

The  scheme  which  lay  at  the  bottom  of  the  whole  as- 
sembly was  to  circumvent  NewOrleans  ; to  establish,  by 
means  of  railroads,  other  ports  and  cities  in  which  the 
business  belonging  here  could  be  transacted.  I found 
this  Convention  full  of  chimerical  schemes.  Unlike  my 
friend  from  Arkansas,  we  practical  men  of  NewOrleans 
have  not  time  to  investigate  these  claims.  We  have 
hardly  time  to  give  proper  attention  to  the  practical 
things  of  life. 

The  Convention  designed  to  circumvent  the  Commis- 
sion Merchants  of  NewOrleans.  It  designed  to  overturn 
the  principles  of  free  trade,  established  for  centuries  ; to 
regulate  the  whole  cotton  business,  and  to  establish  laws 
between  trade  and  commerce.  Now,  sir,  to  give  this  Con- 
vention an  idea  of  the  schemes  there  entertained,  I need 
only  say  that  a great  part  of  the  time  was  spent  in  inves- 
tigating the  natural  history  of  the  valleys  of  the  Amazon 
and  Oronoco. 

Sir,  one  learned  Bishop  in  the  Church  occupied  one 
whole  day  of  the  precious  time  of  the  Conventon  in  sketch- 
ing the  entomology,  topography,  and  biography  of  the 
baboons,  insects,  reptiles — every  thing  animate  and  inani- 
mate—connected  with  the  Valley  of  the  Amazon.  War 
was  made  upon  every  thing  tangible,  practicable  or  sensi- 
ble in  its  nature.  Every  thing  received  as  true  by  all  the 
philosophers  of  the  world  was  received  and  discussed  with 
the  most  profound  deliberation. 

The  Mississippi  River  was  treated  as  a mere  horsepond. 
I was  considered  a very  unruly  member  for  attempting  to 
make  the  deliberations  of  the  Convention  practicable. 
Every  planter  who  had  a dozen  negroes  wanted  a railroad 
running  in  front  of  his  house,  and  every  gentleman  who 
had  fifty  negroes  must  have  one  running  by  his  house  and 
another  by  his  kitchen.  They  treated  the  existence  of 
NewOrleans  as  fabulous  as  that  of  Tyre  and  Sydon. 
When  I presented  a resolution  instructing  Congress  to 
grant  appropriations  for  clearing  the  mouth  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi River,  I was  met  by  a resolution  to  clear  out  some 
river  in  Wisconsin. 

This  was  the  spirit  of  the  Convention.  But  the  genial 
sun  of  the  South  has  developed  their  intelligence  and 
brought  out  some  practical  suggestions  of  value.  If  the 
City  of  New  Orleans  acted  with  a lukewarm  spirit  it  was 
owing  to  the  previous  hostilities  of  Commercial  Conven- 
tions towards  her  interests.  From  these  reasons  my 
friend  from  Arkansas  will  understand  the  feeling  which 
has  existed  towards  the  Assembly. 

He  then  referred  to  the  Pacific  Railroad . He  was  dis- 
posed to  regard  it  as  impracticable.  He  was  willing  that 
others  might  try  their  plans.  He  would  not  oppose  them. 

He  spoke  of  the  impossibility  of  our  making  ourselves 
independent  of  the  North  by  merely  encouraging  home 
manufactures,  and  suggested  that  agriculture  was  as  ne- 
cessary here  as  manufacturing  there.  We  were  necessa- 
rily subject  to  the  laws  of  nature  and  trade  He  hoped 
to  see  the  North  assume  a dignified  spirit,  and  prove  her- 
self to  possess  all  the  nobler  qualities  of  humanity,  love 
of  liberty  and  devotion  to  our  rights,  with  which  Cod  has 
endowed  us. 

Judge  Walker  further  suggested  that  it  would  be  for  the 
reputation  of  the  Convention  if  it  would  omit  something 
of  poetry  and  speculation  and  deal  more  in  matters  of 
fact  and  statistics ; if  it  would  ignore  the  Euphrates  and 
devise  means  of  continuing  our  railroads  and  practically 
benefiting  the  South. 

Judge  Walker  was  listened  to  with  great  at- 
tention, and  interrupted  with  frequent  ap- 
plause. The  ability  of  his  speech  is  only  shad- 
owed in  our  imperfect  sketch. 

Wm.  H.  Garland,  Esq.,  of  NewOrleans,  fol- 
lowed Judge  Walker. 

Mr.  President— 1 had  intended  during  the  sitting  of  the 
Convention  to  have  been  a quiet  listener— to  have  trea- 
sured the  rich  thoughts  and  bright  Ideas  that  ahoxdd  fall 


ftom  the  lips  of  the  gifted,  and  in  the  information  which 
they  would  impart,  and  the  deductions  which  would  flow 
from  them,  to  have  endeavored  to  correctly  judge  of  the 
important  questions  which  are  claiming  public  attention 
For  neither  my  time  nor  the  habitudes  of  my  life,  nor  the 
patience  of  the  Convention,  would  justify  my  trespassing 
on  its  patience.  But  when  questions  in  relation  to  the 
great  objects  that  has  brought  us  together— when  deo- 
tnnes  which  I deem  to  be  at  war  with  the  best  interest 
of  our  country  are  proposed  to  be  made  a part  of  our  pro. 
ceedings,  and  to  go  forth  to  the  world  endorsed  by  this 
Convention,  I should  be  false  to  the  high  responsibilities 
which  rest  upon  every  member  of  this  Convention,  if  T 
did  not  raise  my  voice,  though  feeble  it  be,  and  call  on  the 
gentlemen  who  surround  me  to  pause  and  consider  well 
the  resolutions  which  are  submitted  to  them  ere  they 
give  to  them  their  sanction. 

Well  was  it  said  on  yester  ay  by  the  eloquent  gentle 
man  from  Arkansas,  that  Legislatures  make  not  public 
opinion,  but  the  laws  which  they  form  only  give  life  and 
vitality  to  that  public  opinion.  It  is  in  the  broad  field  ot 
social  intercourse,  it  is  in  primary  assemblies  such  as  this 
where  mind  in  its  wildest,  freest  range  is  brought  in  con- 
flict with  mind,  that  truth  is  elicited  and  public  senti 
ment  formed.  It  is  true,  as  was  beautifully  said  on  yes 
terday,  that  this  Convention  may  be  but  the  acorn,  but  it 
depends  upon  the  vitality  which  you  impart  to  it,  whether 
this  acorn  shall  grow  to  the  stately  tree,  stretching  its 
broad  arms  to  give  shelter  and  food  to  the  land,  or  whether 
it  shall  be  the  noxious  Upas  tree,  withering  each  flower, 
and  loading  each  breeze  with  its  deadly  poison.  If  this 
Convention  will  keep  itself  within  its  legitimate  range  ; if 
its  minds — that  spark  which  links  man’s  spirit  with  the 
spirits  of  the  skies,  is  brought  with  all  its  burning  inten 
sity  to  elucidate  the  subjects  which  properly  belong  to  its 
deliberation,  then  may  wo  hope  it  will  give  forth  such 
thoughts  and  conceptions  as  will  go  bounding  over  the 
land  until  they  will  gather  such  power  and  strength,  that 
the  Legislation  of  the  land  will  give  life  and  vitality  to 
them. 

It  is  pleasing,  with  folded  arms,  to  stand  and  gaze  at  the 
gorgeous  sunset — to  mark  each  floating  cloud  as  it  is 
touched  with  its  golden  fringe,  and  weave  fancy  after 
fancy  into  a bright  tissue  for  the  future;  thus  to  stand  un 
til  the  stars  peep  out,  and  then  with  a bound  of  the  spark 
etherial,  which  gives  life  and  variety  to  man’s^houghts, 
pass  from  star  to  star,  peopling  them  with  our  thoughts 
and  filling  them  with  our  fancies ; but  while  we  are  pur 
suing  these  fancies  of  the  mind  nature  in  her  changes 
reminds  us,  by  the  gathering  darkness  and  falling  dew, 
that  man’s  life  was  not  to  be  all  a dream,  but  that  on  him 
rested  high  responsibilities— that  while  he  was  thus  in. 
dulging  in  pleasing  fancies  and  permitting  the  mind  to 
waste  itself  in  dreams  he  was  neglecting  the  development 
of  those  blessings  which  nature  has  so  bounteously  be 
stowed  on  him. 

In  this  day  and  time,  when  the  mind  is  exercising  its 
sovereignty  over  matter,  the  truth  is  felt  and  recognized 
that  the  gathering  of  the  fruit  and  the  enjoyment  of  the 
blessings  of  Heaven  belongs  not  to  the  inert  and  slothful, 
but  to  those,  who  by  the  employment  of  those  faculties  of 
the  mind  with  which  a good  God  has  blessed  them,  render 
the  things  of  this  world  subservient  to  the  great  ends  oi 
their  creation,  the  happiness  and  perfection*  of  man.  Let 
not  then  this  Convention  waste  its  time  on  the  pleasing 
fancies  that  cluster  around  abstract  questions,  but  let  it, 
like  that  circlet  of  stars,  cluster  around  one  great  idea 
until  their  concentrated  rays  shall  form  one  burning  cen 
ter,  so  bright  that  the  path  which  leads  to  the  power 
prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  South  shall  be  so  plain 
that  none  will  hesitate. 

What  this  idea  should  be,  it  is  only  necessary  for  us  to 
look  abroad  to  our  sister  States  and  see  the  rapid  strides 
which  some  of  them  have  made  to  greatness  and  wealth 
But  a few  years  since  NewYork  occupied  but  a secondary 
position  in  the  confederation  of  States— now  she  is  the 
Empire  State  in  population,  wealth  and  power.  The  gen- 
ius of  her  Clinton  opened  her  western  resources  and  filled 
her  forests  with  a teeming  population.  The  mind  of  hei 
people  indulged  not  in  pleasing  dreams,  but  was  directed 
to  the  development  of  those  gifts  with  which  God  bad 
blessed  them.  Ohio  caught  the  bright  spirit  of  progress 
and  her  lines  of  Improvement  by  penetrating  every  cor- 


16 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


ner  have  filled  her  rioh  vailieB  with  a teeming  population 
and  made  her  one  of  the  first  States  of  the  Union.  Geor- 
gia, first  of  the  Southern  States,  was  roused  to  the  em- 
ployment of  her  energies  and  now  her  barren  plains  are 
the  abode  of  productive  industry,  and  the  happy  cottage 
marks  each  of  her  mountain  passes. 

From  these  let  us  gather  wisdom,  and  by  the  employ- 
ment of  the  bright,  noble  spirit  of  the  South  develop 
those  advantages  which  nature  has  so  bounteously  be- 
stowed on  us.  Carry  your  lines  of  improvement  to  every 
section,  and  thus  open  for  it  a highway  for  the  transfer  of 
the  productions  of  its  industry,  and  you  will  soon  bring 
wealth  and  power  to  the  South. 

Much  has  been  said  of  the  unequal  influence  of  the 
South  in  the  Hall  of  Congress,  and  resolution  upon  re- 
solution has  been  offered  on  the  subject ; but  this  will  not 
rectify  the  inequality.  To  do  this  let  the  mind  of  the 
South  be  directed  to  the  development  of  the  advantages 
which  nature  has  so  bounteously  bestowed  on  her,  and 
thus  fill  her  now  waste  lands  with  a teeming  population. 
This  increased  population  will  bring  her  increased  repre- 
sentation on  the  floors  of  Congress,  and  to  this,  and  this 
alone,  are  we  to  look  for  an  equalization  of  power. 

It  is  not,  Mr.  President,  by  passing  resolutions— or  in- 
dulging in  pleasing  fancies,  that  this  is  to  be  done  ; but 
the  mind  must  act  upon  matter  and  give  to  it  a practical 
applicati'^n  to  the  concerns  of  life.  In  the  discussions  of 
the  Pacific  Railroad,  N ew  Orleans,  and  even  Louisiana, 
seem  to  have  been  forgot  The  important  position  which 
we  occupy  to  the  trade  of  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi 
has  been  overlooked.  When  the  Atlantic  shall  have 
been  linked  to  the  Pacific  by  a line  of  improvement. 
New  Orleans  must  become  one  of  the  most  important  cities 
of  the  world  When  the  trade  of  the  Indies  shall  pour  all 
its  commerce  along  these  lines,  it  must  be  in  the  lap  of 
New  Orleans  that  this  rich  traflOlc  must  be  first  poured — 
from  its  warehouses  to  be  diffused  through  the  broad  Val- 
ley of  the  Mississippi.  Not  only  this,  but  the  immense 
and  constantly  increasing  productions  of  the  North-west- 
ern States  will  have  to  find  a mart  in  some  other  land 
than'Europe.  Where  is  it  to  be,  save  in  the  Indies  and 
the  constantly  increasing  traflio  of  the  Gulf— where  the 
song  of  liberty,  freighted  with  all  of  its  happiness,  shall  go 
bounding — 

“ O’er  the  glad  waters  of  the  dark  blue  wave 
With  hopes  as  boundless  and  with  thoughts  as  free,” 
until  the  Islands  of  the  Gulf  shall  echo  back  the  glad 
tidings  ? There  shall  we  find  in  those  sunny  lands  a 
mart  for  our  productions.  When  this  shall  be,  and  the 
Indies  pour  along  our  lines  of  improvement  their  wealth 
the  United  States  will  become  what  England  now  is,  the 
store-house  of  the  world.  And  that  this  is  no  fanciful 
idea,  it  is  only  necessary  to  note  the  passing  events. 
Make  these  improvements  and  your  communication  from 
Oauton,  by  NewOrleans  and  NewYotk  to  London  will  be 
m»de  in  forty-five  days,  while  now  the  shortest  time 
across  the  Isthmus  of  Suez  is  sixty-two  days — making  so 
great  a difference  in  time  that  ail  mercantile  men  will 
understand  that  it  must  revolutionize  that  commerce. 

How  is  this  mighty  line  of  communication  to  be  made  ? 
Already  have  we  lines  of  railroads  constructed,  or  in  the 
process  of  construction,  reaching  from  the  Atlantic  to 
the  Mississippi.  These  are  met  by  lines  stretching  far 
into  the  West,  from  NewOrleans,  Vicksburg  and  other 
points.  Give  to  these  lines,  if  not  your  money,  at  least 
the  support  of  your  approbation.  Do  this  and  the  day  is 
not  distant  when  the  whistle  that  wakes  on  the  Atlantic, 
will  be  heard  on  the  shores  of  the  Pacific.  Let  these 
lines  be  pressed  forward  to  completion,  and  when  they 
shall  meet  in  the  far  West  in  fraternal  embrace,  then  let 
the  General  Government  welcome  them  and  carry  them 
to  completion. 

Much  has  been  said  about  the  prejudices  of  the  present 
and  the  holy  memories  of  the  past.  If  you  would  remove 
the  one  and  perpetuate  the  other,  extend  your  lines  of 
improvements  so  that  the  different  sections  may  be 
brought  into  closer  contact,  and  thus  by  knowing  each 
other  better,  learn  to  judge  more  charitably  and  more 
justly.  If  you  would  perpetuate  the  past,  let  your  sons 
go  to  the  plains  of  Lexington,  and  there  read  the  heroism 
of  the  past ; let  them  stand  on  the  Cliffs  of  Yorktown  and 
look  upon  the  waters  that  were  lashed  into  a storm  by  the 


very  finger  of  Heaven  to  protect  our  land,  and  there 
gather  up  the  holy  memories  of  the  past  and  feel  their 
hearts  to  expand  and  their  thoughts  to  be  elevated  to  em- 
ulate the  deeds  of  their  fathers  ; and  let,  too,  their  sons 
visit  our  warm  and  sunny  South,  and  while  gazing  upon 
the  fields  made  memorable  by  Southern  valor  and  the 
heroism  of  a Jackson,  feel  in  their  hearts  the  enthusiasm 
that  warms  the  Southern  bosom  for  this  glorious  Union. 

Thus  let  them  gather  up  all  their  memories,  and  in  the 
high  and  noble  resolves  which  they  will  prompt  let  them 
‘‘Snatch  from  the  ashes  of  their  sire.s. 

The  embers  of  their  former  fires. 

And  leave  their  sons  a hope,  a fame, 

They,  too,  would  rather  die  than  shame  ” 

Mr.  Garland’s  remarks  were  attentively  list- 
ened to,  and  at  their  close  warmly  applauded , 
Capt.  Pike,  of  Arkansas,  said  : 

Sir,  it  is  well  known  that  there  was  a large  delegation  to 
the  Charleston  Convention  from  the  States  of  Virginia, 
South  Carolina  and  Georgia.  We  know  that  these  delega- 
tions were  adverse  to  the  powers  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment being  solicited  for  some  measures,  and  we  of  this 
section  and  the  West  were  compelled  to  pass  over  resolu- 
tions requesting  Congress  to  make  appropriations  for  the 
improvement  of  our  Western  Rivers  again  and  again.  It 
is  well  known  too  that  the  delegations  from  these  States 
were  opposed  to  the  meeting  of  this  Convention  in  the 
city  of  NewOrleans.  They  desired  that  it  should  adjourn 
to  meet  in  Richmond  or  Norfolk. 

Now,  sir,  this  Convention  was  brought  here  for  the  very 
purpose  of  furthering  the  interests  of  New  Orleans. 

Mr.  President,  we  understand  that  the  quickest  way  of 
killing  a proposition  of  this  kind  is  to  charge  the  author 
with  wanting  common  sense,  or  charge  him  with  the  mis- 
fortune of  being  a poet.  I make  no  pretensions  to  poetry 
I was  not  born  a poet,  and  have  never  succeeded  in  ma- 
king myself  one.  I would,  however,  set  myself  up  for 
comparison  with  the  gentleman  from  New  Orleans,  as  to 
relative  practical  sense  and  ability.  He  would  be  the  last 
individual.  I would  judge  to  be  endowed  with  great 
common  sense.  He  is  represented  as  being  at  the  head 
of  every  wild-goose  scheme  in  the  country. 

Capt.  Pike  alluded  to  the  prosperity  of  NewYork.  The 
idea  of  connecting  the  waters  of  the  Atlantic  with  the 
Northern  Lakes  was  looked  upon  once  as  a chimerical 
scheme.  There  is  a man  now  living  in  England  who  laid 
the  first  railway  in  the  world.  That  man  can  now  see  his 
own  island  checkered  over  with  railways.  It  will  be  ut- 
terly impossible  to  retain  our  Western  States,  made  strong 
by  the  maternal  nursing  of  the  Government  in  the  early 
years  of  their  history,  without  communication  by  rail- 
roads with  them.  They  will  construct  for  themselves  au 
independent  empire  on  the  shores  of  the  Pacific.  This 
scheme  of  road  building  is  called  chimerical.  I know  of 
no  other. 

Let  us  reduce  the  plan  to  its  smallest  limits.  The  plan 
proposed  is  to  form  a corporation,  obtain  a charter  from 
some  one  of  the  Southern  States,  and  invite  citizens  and 
States  to  take  stock  in  that  road.  The  object  is  to  build  a 
road  to  the  Pacific,  with  branches  verging  from  Vicksburg. 
Cairo,  NewOrleans  and  other  points,  if  thought  proper. 
He  spoke  of  the  restless  and  revolutionary  condition  of 
Europe — that  capitalists  were  anxious  to  invest  their 
wealth  in  a peaceful  country— that  now  was  a most  favor- 
able period  for  commencing  this  great  national  work. 

In  reference  to  the  charge  of  disunionisms,  made  by  his 
honorable  friend  (Mr.  Walker),  he  had  the  most  profound 
respect  for  the  Constitution.  God  forbid  that  he  should 
utter  one  word  against  that  holy  compact,  by  which  the 
Union  of  these  States  is  affected.  God  forbid  that  he 
should  say  a solitary  word  to  bring  about  a difference  be- 
tween the  North  and  South. 

Mr.  Pike’s  speech  was  listened  to  attentively, 
and  frequently  applauded. 

Dr.  MoGimsey,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  fol> 
lowing,  which  was  referred  to  the  General  Com- 
mittee : 


Southern  Coinmerciaf  Umumtim. 


TT 


In  view  of  the  fact  that  African  slavery  is  an  institution 
clearly  sanctioned  by  the  Volume  of  Inspiration— that  is 
the  only  conservative  power  of  the  South,  and  of  the 
Union — and  that  it  constitutes  the  best  state  of  society, 
where  the  African  and  Caucasian  races  are  compelled  to 
dwell  tegether  in  the  same  community,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  strongly  recommend  our 
Senators  and  Representatives  in  Congress,  from  the  slave- 
holding States,  to  introduce  a bill  to  repeal  all  laws  sup- 
pressing the  slave  trade,  and  that  they  exert  all  their  in- 
fluence to  have  such  a law  passed. 

Mr.  De  Cordova,  of  Texas,  offered  the  follow- 
ing, which  were  referred  to  the  same  Commit- 
tee: 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  the  Gen- 
eral Government  to  endeavor  to  form  a treaty  with  Spain 
and  Mexico  upon  the  same  plan  as  that  lately  consumma- 
ted, and  known  as  the  Reciprocal  Treaty,  with  the  Pro- 
vinces of  Canada,  Nova  Scotia,  etc. 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  a treaty 
with  these  Governments,  formed  on  such  basis,  will  enure 
greatly  to  the  benefit  of  the  people  of  this  country  and 
enable  our  merchants  trading  in  the  Mexican  Republic  to 
compete  with,  if  not  excel,  those  of  other  nations  in  the 
markets  of  that  country,  besides  creating  a vast  field  for 
the  exportation  of  the  products  of  this  section  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  which  under  the  present  arrangements  exist- 
ing are  entirely  shut  out. 

Mr.  John  A.  Watkins,  of  Louisiana,  offered 
the  following  preamble  and  resolution,  which 
were  referred  to  the  General  Committee  : 

Whereas,  The  Jackson  and  Great  Northern  Railroad, 
commencing  at  the  city  of  New  Orleans  and  intended  as 
a connecting  link  between  that  city  and  the  Western 
States,  is  now  completed  and  in  successful  operation  as 
far  as  the  Mississippi  State  Line,  a distance  of  eighty- 
seven  miles  ; and  whereas  it  is  desirable  that  ample  means 
should  be  speedily  provided  for  its  extension  through  the 
States  of  Mississippi,  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  to  the 
city  of  Louisville,  or  such  other  point  on  the  Ohio  or  Mis- 
sissippi Rivers  as  may  be  selected,  therefore  be  it 


FIFTH 


Saturday,  January  13, 1855. 

The  Convention  met  at  11  o’clock.  Prayer 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Van  Arsdale,  of  Louisiana. 
Gen.  Lamar,  being  indisposed,  called  Vice- 
President  Coleman,  of  Mississippi,  to  the  chair, 
and  retired. 

The  journal  was  read  and  approved. 

Mr.  A.  Levison,  of  Louisiana,  Assistant  Sec- 
retary, (and  upon  whom  nearly  all  the  labors  of 
the  Secretaryship  have  devolved  during  the  ses- 
sion,) tendered  his  resignation,  and  Mr.  C.  C, 
Lathrop,  of  Louisiana,  was  appointed  in  his 
stead. 

On  motion,  the  thanks  of  the  Convention  were 
tendered  to  Mr.  Levison,  for  the  able  and  effi- 
eient  manner  in  which  he  had  acted  as  Secre- 
tary. 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  the  Legis- 
latures of  the  above  named  States,  if  sufficient  funds  are 
not  supplied  by  voluntary  subscription,  for  the  comple- 
tion of  said  road,  to  make  the  necessary  appropriations 
for  that^urpose,  to  be  expended  within  their  respective 
limits,  or  in  any  other  manner  that  may  contribute  to  the 
speedy  consummation  of  this  important  enterprise. 

Dr.  S.  W.  Dalton,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the 
following,  which  were  referred  to  the  same  com- 
mittee : 

Whereas,  More  than  ten  thousand  American  and 
Foreign  shipping,  laden  with  the  great  agricultural  staples 
of  the  Southern  and  South-Western  States,  and  with  their 
return  cargoes  to  the  value  of  more  than  three  hundred 
millions  of  dollars,  pass  through  the  narrow  strait  between 
Cuba  and  Florida ; and,  inasmuch  as  this  commerce  is 
rapidly  increasing,  and  must  continue  to  do  so  with  the 
increase  of  population  in  the  great  Valley  of  the  West, 
and  opening  of  the  Isthmus  routes  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  ; 
and  whereas,  the  Island  of  Cuba,  by  its  Northern  ports, 
lying  directly  upon  this  only  highway  for  this  immense 
commerce,  and  commanding  the  transit  of  the  same,  both 
export  and  import,  possesses  the  only  suitable  and  suf- 
ficient port  or  harbor  within  the  distance  of  five  hundred 
leagues,  where  a naval  station  at  all  adequate  to  the  pro- 
tection of  this  great  commercial  interest  can  be  estab- 
lished, and  for  the  want  of  which,  from  unfriendly  rela- 
tions which  may  be  very  readily  apprehended,  exigencies 
may  arise,  exposing  this  commerce  to  such  dangers  and 
perils  as  the  laws  of  nature  and  the  rights  of  self-protec- 
tion demand  of  us  to  make  for  its  security ; therefore,  let 
it  be 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  deems  the  acquisition  of 
the  Island  of  Cuba  essentially  necessary  to  the  proper 
protection  of  our  commerce  in  those  waters  and  security 
of  our  Southern  coast,  and  do  essentially  urge,  as  a ques- 
tion of  paramount  national  necessity  and  national  supre- 
macy, immediate  action  by  Congress  on  the  same. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  10  o’clock 
of  the  following  day. 


DAY. 


The  General  Committee  reported  favorably 
upon  Mr.  DeCordova’s  resolutions  in  reference 
to  a treaty  with  Spain  and  Mexico,  and  upon 
Mr.  Estes’s  resolution  asking  Congress  to  reduce 
the  tariff  on  coal.  The  resolutions  of  Gen.  Mc- 
Leod, of  Texas,  in  reference  to  the  claims  of  his 
State  upon  the  Pacific  Railroad,  were  respect- 
fully rejected  by  the  Committee,  as  being  too 
sectional  in  their  character. 

Mr.  N.  R.  Jennings,  of  Louisiana,  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Quarantine,  read  the  re- 
port of  the  Committee,  submitting  the  following 
preamble  and  resolutions : 

JVhereas,  for  the  past  two  summers  several  of  the  SCuth 
ern  States  have  been  severely  visited  by  that  terrible 
scourge  of  humanity,  the  yellow  fever,  tending  more  than 
any  other  cause  to  cripple  the  energies,  impair  the  pros- 


18 


Southern  Commereial  Oonvmtion, 


peots,  and  affect  the  oommeroial  as  well  as  all  other  inter- 
ests of  the  country— 

And  whereas,  ship  fever,  typhus,  typhoid  and  yellow  fe 
vers,  small  pox  and  other  infectious  and  contagious  dis- 
eases, ‘>re  imported  into  our  seaport  towns  : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  and  firm  conviction  of 
this  Convention,  that  all  the  States  bordering  on  the  At- 
lantic, south  of  33  degrees,  and  those  on  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  are  bound  by 
their  commercial  interests  and  their  future  prosperity  in 
this  Union  of  Stat^  as  well  as  by  the  cause  of  suffering 
humanity,  to  estaTOsh,  during  the  warmer  months  of  the 
year,  at  their  discretion,  a rigid  quarantine  in  all  their  sea- 
ports, and  ordinary  niarine  communication  with  the 
ocean. 

Resolved,  That  we  do  earnestly  recommend  the  subject 
to  the  active  legislation  of  the  several  States  here  repre- 
sented, and  especially  to  all  the  seacoast  towns,  that  early 
action  during  the  present  season  may  be  taken  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  special  committee  on  quarantine,  ap- 
pointed by  the  convention,  be  instructed  and  authorized 
to  present  the  subject  at  their  earliest  convenience  to  all 
the  legislative  bodies  of  the  States  interested,  and  also  to 
the  municipal  authorities  of  the  towns  »,nd  cities  exposed 
to  the  ravages  of  the  said  epidemic. 

Resolved,  That  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is 
solicited  to  grant  the  use  of  Fort  Jackson  to  Louisiana,  or 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a 
quarantine. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi,  moved  to  adopt 
the  report  and  resolutions. 

Mr.  C.  C.  Lathrop,  of  La.,  spoke  Strongly  in 
favor  of  them. 

Mr.  Dolbear  said,  that  he  did  not  propose  to 
make  a speech  on  the  resolutions,  but  as  he  thought  they 
should  meet  the  unanimous  approval  of  this  Convention, 
he  begged  leave  to  state  a few  facts  in  which  every  indi- 
vidual there  present  was  interested;  and  not  only  all  who 
were  there,  but  all  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States 
And  although  the  facts  he  might  mention  were  taken  from 
the  records  at  New  Orleans,  yet  he  did  not  speak  for  her 
alone. 

The  export  trade  of  New  Orleans  had  fallen  off  in  the 
past  year,  below  the  previous  one,  upwards  of  seven  mil- 
lions of  dollars,  while  New  York  in  the  same  time  had  in- 
creased in  her  exports  more  than  $37,000,000 ! Now,  if 
we  had  bad  proper  sanitary  measures,  New  Orleans  would 
have  held  her  own  $7,000,000,  and  divided  the  surplus  of 
$80,000,000  of  exports  with  New  York.  This  would  have 
made  a difference  of  $22,000,000  in  favor  of  New  Orleans 
and  the  South. 

This  would  not  only  have  increased  the  business  of 
every  man  in  this  city,  from  the  barber  to  the  banker,  but 
it  would  have  increased  the  value  of  every  foot  of  land 
from  the  Ohio  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  Charleston 
to  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  would  have  added  to  the  cash 
value  of  every  negro  in  the  same  degree  ; it  would  have 
added  to  the  value  of  every  ship  at  your  wharves  and  in 
every  Southern  river  or  port,  and  in  every  tributary  of  the 
Mississippi.  Every  business,  every  interest,  every  individ- 
ual. whether  he  inhaled  the  fresh  air  from  the  mountains 
of  Arkansas  or  dwelt  amid  the  quagmires  of  the  Missis- 
sippi — would  have  been  similarly  affected.  Yet  this  was 
only  one  out  of  a thousand  evils  that  the  South  suffered 
for  want  of  these  very  sanitary  measures  which  are  now 
before  you.  He  was  aware  that  some  gentlemen  present 
did  not  believe  in  quarantine.  He  did  not  ask  them  to 
change  their  belief ; he  did  not  expect  it.  They  have  had 
their  way  and  their  theories  for  half  a century,  which 
have  resulted  in  no  good,  at  least  to  the  public.  Experi- 
ment has  followed  experiment,  and  theory  has  followed 
theory,  yet  all  have  exploded  and  left  nothing  behind. 
One  physician  after  another  has  exclaimed : “ Eureka  t 
eureka  I ” supposing  he  had  actually  caged  the  yellow 
fever.  Yst  the  next  day  it  was  as  wild  and  rampant  as 
ever,  and  the  discoverer,  perhaps,  the  first  victim. 

The  public  have  no  confidence  in  any  of  these  theories. 


They  have  all  been  weighed  in  a balance  and  found  want- 
ing, and  the  friends  of  quarantine  ask  that  they  now  step 
aside  and  let  them  have  a fair  trial.  Give  us  the  same 
time  with  a quarantine  that  you  have  had  without,  and 
then  give  us  your  belief  or  disbelief. 

All  this  refers  only  to  dollars  and  cents,  and  even  that 
in  but  one  point  of  view.  Yet  there  are  higher  motives 
than  these  that  actuate  the  public  mind.  But  the  oppo- 
nents say  it  will  injure  commerce;  hence  I have  taken 
this  point  alone.  How  injure  commerce  ? What  do  we 
get  from  the  yellow  fever  region  during  the  three  months 
that  we  wish  the  quarantine,  as  an  offset  against  the 
$22,000,000  loss  ? Wh  ' simply  a few  small  schooners  with 
a few  bushels  of  orang  :s,  a few  baskets  of  pine-apples  and 
a few  Spanish  iap-do^-s ! ! Yet  these  are  considered  an 
ample  compensation,  by  some  gentlemen,  for  the  loss  of 
$22,000,000  in  commerce,  and  the  introduction  of  yellow 
fever,  ship  fever,  cholera,  small  pox,  and  all  the  other 
curses  from  every  pest  house  in  the  world  ! 

He  said  he  hoped  the  resolutions  would  be  unanimously 
adopted  as  the  wishes  of  this  enlightened  Convention, 
representing,  as  it  did,  all  the  South. 

Dr.  Wilkinson,  of  Plaquemines  Parish,  followed 
in  opposition  to  quarantine;  contending  that 
yellow  fever  epidemics  originate  in  New  Orleans 
and  other  parts  of  the  South.  He.  spoke  at  some 
length  in  defense  of  himself  against  any  section- 
alism that  might  he  imputed  to  him. 

The  report  and  resolutions  were  adopted. 

Dr.  Barton,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolutions,  which  were  re- 
ferred to  the  General  Committee : 

Whereas,  There  is  an  extensive  prejudice  existing  at 
the  North  in  relation  to  the  climate  and  salubrity  of  the 
South— proceeding  almost  entirely  from  ignorance  of  it — 
that  in  the  South  itself,  neither  of  these  conditions  are 
sufficiently  known  or  appreciated  ; that  a knowledge  of 
our  sanitary  condition,  the  causes  influenciug  it,  and  the 
means  of  correcting  it,  is  a subject  transcending  in  im- 
portance any  other  which  can  or  should  influence  the 
action  of  this  Convention.  Representing  the  dearest  in- 
terests of  the  Southern  people,  it  then  becomes  one  of  the 
highest  duties  to  obtain  all  the  facts  bearing  upon  the 
subject,  and  report  them,  together  with  any  suggestions 
of  a remediate  or  corrective  and  preventive  character  as 
may  be  desirable,  at  as  early  a period  as  practicable. 
it,  therefore, 

1 . Resolved,  That  this  Convention  appoint  a committee, 
which  shall  consist  of  two  members  from  each  of  the 
Southern  and  Western  States  interested  in  the  objects  of 
this  Convention,  (whether  attending  it  now  or  not,)  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  collect  all  the  facts  that  are  accessible, 
bearing  upon  our  sanitary  relations,  whether  climatic, 
mortuary  or  preventive,  and  report  them  at  the  earliest 
period  practicable. 

2.  That  the  authority  of  this  Convention  be  given  to 
this  Committee  to  ask,  in  its  name,  of  the  Government  of 
the  United  States,  for  such  information  as  is  furnished  by 
the  mortuary  returns  of  the  census  of  1860,  required  for 
its  purposes. 

3.  That  a similar  authority  be  given  to  said  committee 
to  ask,  in  its  name,  of  the  Regents  of  the  Smithsonian  In- 
stitution, or  either  of  the  Bepartments  of  Government, 
such  facts  bearing  upon,  or  illustrative  of,  the  climate  of 
the  United  States,  and  particularly  of  the  Southern  por- 
tion of  it,  as  may  be  needed  by  the  committee  iu  their  in- 
vestigation. 

Mr.  Hyams,  of  Alexandria,  proposed  the  fol- 
lowing : 

That  this  Convention  most  earnestly  recommend  to  the 
members  of  Congress  from  the  Southern  States  to  advo- 
cate and  procure,  by  all  constitutional  means  in  their 
power,  such  a specific  duty  upon  sugar  and  molasses  as 
these  Articles  intrinsically  merit,  and  is  called  for  in  justice 
to  the  people  of  the  South,  as  equals  with  the  people  of 
the  North  in  this  great  confederacy  of  States. 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


1» 


He  proceeded  to  elucidate  his  views,  when  he 
was  interrupted  by  the  President,  who  stated 
that  the  hour  had  arrived  for  taking  up  the  or- 
der of  the  day,  namely,  the  Pacific  Railroad. 

Capt.  Albert  Pike  moved  that  in  adopting  tho 
resolutions,  the  vote  be  taken  by  States. 

Mr.  N.  D.  Coleman  proceeded  to  reply  to  the 
charge  of  hostility  to  the  prosperity  of  NewOrleans, 
shown  <by  the  Memphis  Convention.  He  did  not  believe 
there  was  just  cause  for  such  an  accusation.  He  did  not 
believe  there  were  any  resolutions  brought  before  that 
body,  in  which  the  interests  of  NewOrleans  were  concern- 
ed, that  were  not  properly  reported  and  adopted  by  the 
Convention.  After  some  further  remarks,  he  proceeded 
to  read  from  the  minutes  of  the  Convention  at  Memphis, 
some  of  tho  resolutions  adopted  by  that  body,  in  which 
Congress  was  requested  to  make  appropriations  for  the 
improvement  of  the  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  River, 
and  for  increasing  eommercial  faoilties  in  the  city  of  New 
Orleans.  Was  not  this  an  evidence  that  the  existence  of 
NewOrleans  and  of  the  Mississippi  River  was  actually 
known  to  the  members  of  that  Convention?  When 
the  time  for  adjournment  came,  it  was  proposed 
to  adjourn  to  meet  in  the  city  of  Charleston.  Another 
gentleman  proposed  to  meet  in  NewOrleans,  but  inasmuch 
as  Charleston  had  given  an  especial  invitation  to  the  Con- 
vention to  adjourn  to  meet  in  that  city,  thought  it  a duty 
towards  that  city  to  accept  its  invitation.  Therevwere  no 
resolutions  introduced  in  that  Convention  relating  to 
NewOrleans  that  he  did  not  heartily  sustain.  He  looked 
upon  NewOrleans  as  the  great  Emporium  of  Southern 
trade.  He  then  addressed  a few  words  in  reply  to  the 
speech  of  Gen.  McLeod  on  the  previous  day,  when  he  pro- 
ceeded to  the  discussion  of  the  Pacific  Railroad  question. 
He  urged  the  necessity  of  constructing  a Pacific  Rail- 
road from  a Southern  point.  The  people  of  the  North 
would  have  one  on  a Northern  route,  and  such  a road 
would  not  benefit  the  South.  The  great  Southern  States 
could  accomplish  the  task  if  they  would  resolve  to  do  it. 

Railroads,  he  said,  are  already  constructed,  or  in  pro- 
cess of  construction,  from  various  points  on  the  Missis- 
sippi loading  off  to  the  West.  Prom  this  city,  the  State 
of  Louisiana  is  now  engaged  in  constructing  a road  to  the 
State  of  Texas.  At  Vicksburg  a road  is  commenced, 
called  the  “Vicksburg  and  Texas  Railroad.”  These 
roads  are  sustained  by  the  citizens  of  those  sections  of 
the  country  through  which  they  pass.  Their  completion 
will  add  much  to  the  prosperity  of  the  South . Though 
we  may  not  bring  a direct  trade  to  the  city  of  NewOr- 
leans, we  shall  build  up  trade  in  the  country  and  develop 
the  natural  resources  of  the  country,  which  will  bring 
trade  to  the  city  of  NewOrleans.  The  State  of  Texas, 
though  a young  State  in  the  Union,  has  shown  a higher 
degree  of  intelligence  and  enterprise  on  the  subject  than 
any  other  State  except  Georgia.  She  has  granted  a char- 
ter for  the  construction  of  a Pacific  Railroad  beginning 
on  the  eastern  boundary  of  Texas,  and  has  offered  twenty 
sections  of  land  to  every  mile  of  road  to  any  company  who 
will  engage  in  and  complete  the  work.  A contract  on  the 
above  conditions  will  probably  be  made  in  May  next. 

But  the  road  cannot  be  made  useful  and  profitable  un- 
less it  extends  beyond  the  Western  boundary  of  Texas. 
For  the  purpose  of  obtaining  necessary  funds  for  the  con- 
tinuation of  the  enterprise,  I recommended  that  the 
States  of  Louisiana  and  Texas  make  the  road,  their  terri- 
tories and  the  cities  of  NewOrleans,  Mobile,  Savannah 
and  Charleston  become  stockholders  in  the  Vicksburg, 
Shreveport  and  Texas  Railroad  for  half  a million  each — 
thereby  enabling  that  Company  to  bid  for  the  Texas  con- 
tract, and  thus  construct  the  Pacific  Roilroad  through  to 
San  Dieg(x  with  such  aid  as  could  be  procured  from  the 
General  Government.  Despairing  of  this  I have  advo- 
cated the  plan  reported  by  the  C ^mmittee  on  a Pacific 
Railroad,  and  recommended  the  ac  option  of  the  charter 
of  such  a Raiload  by  the  State  of  Louisiana  Now,  M;. 
Presient,  some  have  thought  me  visionary  on  this  sub- 
ject. Others  hare  looked  at  this  enterprtee  in  t/h« 


and  they  can  see  the  day,  not  far  distant,  when  people  will 
pass  over  from  the  Pacific  to  tho  Atlantic  at  the  rate  of 
forty  miles  an  hour. 

In  the  present  navigation  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  you  are 
compelled  to  sail  away  down  south  before  you  can  turn 
directly  to  China.  From  San  Francisco  the  voyage  can 
be  made  direct.  Look  at  the  rivers  of  China — the  Hoang 
Ho  and  Kiang  Ku,  equal  in  size  to  the  Mississippi,  pene- 
trating into  the  heart  of  that  country,  affording  the  most 
easy  access  to  the  interior  of  those  Oriental  regions. 
Within  a few  years  China  has  opened  her  ports  to  the 
commerce  of  the  world.  She  is  not  far  distant  from  us. 
By  the  South  Pacific  Ocean  it  will  not  require  more  than 
a month  to  make  a voyage  from  Canton  to  San  Francisco. 
By  tho  new  route  it  is  less  than  11,000  miles  ; by  the  old 
it  is  more  than  18.000.  It  will  not  be  long  before  there 
will  be  a vast  and  increasing  amount  of  travel  across  the 
Western  continent.  The  commercial  interest  of  the 
United  States  I have  not  taken  into  consideration  at  all. 
These  can  not  be  overlooked. 

It  is  a subject  worthy  of  the  attention  of  this  nation. 
The  South  has  it  in  her  power  to  control  and  turn  into 
her  ports  and  harbors  the  trade  and  travel  of  the  whole 
Eastern  world.  So  soon  as  this  is  done,  and  the  line  of 
trade  from  the  Orient  is  changed,  NewOrleans  and  San 
Francisco  will  become  the  Liverpools  of  the  world  and 
control  the  world’s  trade  as  it  is  now  controlled  by  the 
English  capital.  If  we  can  raise  the  funds  the  work  will 
most  assuredly  be  accomplished.  The  State  of  Louisiana, 
or  any  other  State,  will,  no  doubt,  be  co-operated  with  by 
her  sister  States  of  the  South  in  the  successful  prosecu- 
tion of  the  enterprise.  It  will  also  be  sustained  by  pri- 
vate individuals.  If,  indeed,  a sufScient  sum  can  be 
raised  for  the  commencement  of  this  work,  there  is  no 
doubt  as  soon  as  the  results  have  been  felt  the  spirit  of 
enterprise  will  urge  it  on  until  it  will  accomplish  the 
work.  I think  it  will  make  NewOrleans  the  great  empo- 
rium of  trade.  She  has  the  advantages  of  the  Gulf  trade 
She  has  the  most  excellent  harbor  in  the  world,  with  a 
river  navigation  uninterrupted  for  two  thousand  miles. 
Take  into  account  all  these  considerations,  and  where  is 
the  city  that  can  compare  with  NewOrleans  in  commercial 
advantages  ? There  is  none. 

Those  who  suppose  that  the  people  of  the  Southern 
States  generally  are  not  interested  in  the  prosperity  of 
New  Orleans  are  mistaken.  I have  felt,  though  not  a 
commercial  man,  that  it  was  a shame  that  a thousand  or 
two  dollars  cannot  be  raised  here  without  being  compelled 
to  apply  to  some  Liverpool  agent.  We  want  a consolida- 
tion of  wealth  here.  It  is  to  the  interest  of  all.  The 
South  should  have  some  city  to  be  to  her  what  New  York 
is  for  the  North.  The  energy  and  enterprise  of  New  York, 
the  speaker  went  on  to  say,  had  within  the  last  ten  years 
extended  her  railroads  500  miles  beyond  the  boundaries  of 
that  State.  This  spirit  of  enterprise  had  snatched  the 
commerce  of  northern  rivers  from  New  Orleans.  Other 
Northern  States  were  following  the  example,  and  the  re- 
sult would  be  that  the  trade  of  the  West  would  be  diverted 
to  Eastern  cities  from  its  legitimate  channel,  the  Missis- 
sippi River. 

Already  the  transportation  of  cotton  from  some  points 
by  Railroad  to  Northern  cities  was  cheaper  than  by  tho 
river  to  NewOrleans.  The  speaker  desired  to  see  NewOr- 
leans construct  as  many  railroads  as  possible,  and  to  that 
end  he  would  assist  with  his  own  purse,  were  he  able. 
This  city  should  be  made  the  great  emporium  of  the  com- 
merce of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  mouth  of  the  Missis- 
sippi River  and  the  Amazon  seemed  to  open  together. 
Nature  points  out  this  place  as  the  great  point  for 
the  concentration  of  the  commerce  of  the  world.  The 
speaker  thanked  the  Chair  and  the  Convention  for  the 
kindness  they  had  shown  him  in  hearing  him  so  patiently, 
and  took  his  seat  amid  great  applause. 

Mr.  Walker  arose  and  be^ed  that,  if  it  was  in 

order,  the  Convention  would  hear  him  for  a few  moments. 
He  thought  he  had  some  claim  to  the  indulgence  of  this 
Convention,  having  contributed  somewhat  to  its  vivacity. 
Not  eloquent  himself,  he  had  been  the  cause  of  eloquence 
in  others.  It  bad  been  his  pride  and  pleasure  to  impel 
others  to  higher  flights  of  oratory  than  he  had  essayed 
himself.  Like  Balaam’s  ass,  despite  his  proverbial  taoL 
tumity,  he  bad  been  belabored  into  speechifying.  Tb@ 


20 


Southern  Cemmcrcial  Convention. 


President  of  this  Convention,  who  has  just  addressed 
you,  had  mistaken  entirely  the  tenor  of  his  remarks 
yesterday,  if  he  imagined  that  he  ascribed  to  the  Mem- 
phis Convention  the  origin  of  the  feeling  of  hostility  to- 
wards NewOrleans.  This  feeling  originated  at  Baltimore. 
At  Memphis  he  did  not  complain  so  much  for  what  was 
done,  or  what  was  not  done,  as  he  did  for  the  want  of  the 
spirit  of  cordiality  and  good  feeling  which  was  manifested 
towards  NewOrleans.  Gentlemen  may  imagine  the  want 
of  cordiality  towards  the  city  of  NewOrleans  when  he  re- 
minded them  that  at  the  time  of  adjournment  of  that 
body  a proposition  was  made  to  substitute  Baton  Rouge 
for  NewOrleans,  as  the  place  of  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Southern  Commercial  Convention,  a«d  it  received  a ma- 
jority of  the  votes  of  that  body.  Afterwards  Charleston 
slipped  in.  These  transactions  don’t  appear  upon  the 
record.  Every  movement  in  that  body  seemed  to  be  aimed 
to  undermine  the  city  of  NewOrleans. 

What  the  President,  Mr.  Coleman,  had  said  about  a 
newspaper  reflecting  upon  his  conduct,  it  did  not  become 
him  to  answer,  as  he  did  not  represent  a newspaper  on 
that  floor.  But  he  felt  bound  in  candor  to  state,  that  as 
President  of  a Louisiana  Railroad  Company  he  (Mr.  Cole- 
man) had  not  displayed  as  much  zeal  in  behalf  of  New 
Orleans  as  he  expected  from  him.  As  to  his  general  views 
about  the  Convention,  it  was  no  doubt  a fault  of  tem- 
perment  that  he  differed  frem  the  gentleman  in  regard 
to  the  efficacy  of  resolutions  and  conventions  to  make 
railroads.  He  had  attended  some  half  a dozen  of  these 
conventions,  and  he  had  yet  to  learn  that  they  had  ever 
started  a single  thing  they  had  pronounced  as  essential  to 
our  progress  and  prosperity.  He  was  no  enemy  to  rail- 
roads, or  judicious  and  practicable  railroads  ; but  of  con- 
vention and  closet  schemes  of  imaginative  enthusiasts, 
he  thought  we  had  already  had  enough.  The  thing  had 
been  overdone,  and  it  was  time  now  to  settle  down  upon 
sensible,  practical  and  feasible  projects. 

He  could  not  leave  the  subject  without  adding  a few  re- 
marks in  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  Arkansas,  whose 
able  speech  of  yesterday  had  betrayed  a stupendous  in- 
gratitude. Entering  this  Convention  and  this  debate  not 
for  gladiatorial  display,  but  rather  as  the  herald  the 
trumpeter  of  the  approach  of  a famous  and  practiced 
warrior,  what  was  his  surprise  to  find  himself  the  object 
of  the  furious  onslaught  of  this  knight  of  the  glittering 
armor  and  well-poised  lance.  He  did  not  come  there  to 
vie  with  such  a finished  poet  and  orator  ; he  had  no  bas- 
ket of  well-culled  flowers,  exotic  and  native,  to  scatter 
around  to  delight  the  imagination  and  sen  ses.  His  tribute 
was  rather  of  that  simple  description,  which  was  so  feel- 
ingly tendered  by  the  eccentric  gentleman  in  gray  smalls 
to  the  too  confiding  Mrs.  Nickleby,  which  consisted  of 
turnips,  carrots  and  small  potatoes.  The  gentleman  from 
Arkansas  had  greatly  injured  him  by  ascribing  to  him  a 
want  of  taste  and  appreeiation  of  the  influence  of  poetry, 
music  and  the  arts.  Though  he  did  not  believe  with  the 
gentleman  from  Arkansas,  in  the  power  of  song  effecting 
certain  practical  results,  he  did  not  deserve  to  be  placed 
outside  of  the  pale  of  civilization,  in  that  class  “ who  have 
no  music  in  their  souls,”  and  are  “ fit  for  treason,  strata- 
gems and  spoils.  ” 

He  could  give  no  better  response  to  this  imputation 
than  to  remind  him  how  often  around  the  festive  board 
he  had  listened  to  the  soft  tones  of  his  fine  voice,  raised 
to  its  highest  pitch,  in  the  exciting  air  of  Vive  VAmoiir ; 
how  entranced  he  had  been  by  the  sterling  song  of  “ The 
Old  Arkansas  gentleman  ? ” He  was  a passionate  devotee 
of  music,  but  he  recognized  Dr.  Square’s  doctrine  of  the  fit- 
ness of  things.  Festive  songs  were  out  of  place  at  funerals, 
ai.vbhe  did  not  believe  that  they  would  effect  much  upon 
the  hard  heads  of  Railroad-men  deliberating  upon  so  hard 
a subject.  The  issue,  then,  was,  whether  poetry  was  an 
efficient  instrument,  wherewith  to  create  Railroads.  It  is 
true  that  the  walls  of  some  ancient  city  were  raised  to 
the  soft  breathing  of  a lute,  and  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell 
before  the  blasts  of  Joshua’s  trumpet ; but  those  were 
musical  times.  Railroads  have  banished  poetry  and  mu- 
sic from  the  whole  world  except  Arkansas.  If  the  muses 
were  to  appear  in  that  Convention  he  should  question 
their  credentials.  Pegasus  was  no  relation  of  the  iron 
horse.  The  only  music  left  to  us  is  the  snort  of  the  iron 
horse,  the  shrill  whistle  of  the  locomotive,  and  the  tre- 
mendous noise  of  the  exploding  gas  of  Railroad  orators. 


But  there  was  one  exception  to  this  remark.  The  gentle- 
man from  Arkansas  continued  the  last  sad  vestige  of  the 
past  age  of  poetry  and  song.  He  would  fancy  that  gen- 
tleman sitting  on  the  bluff  of  the  Mississippi,  like  Homer 
on  Scio’s  rocky  isle,  or  like  Hero  breathing  out  her  soul 
on  the  Hellespont,  impatiently  awaiting  the  approach  of 
her  adored  Leander. 

There  sat  the  gentleman  from  Arkansas,  with  his  long 
locks  streaming  in  the  wind,  his  brilliant  ox-eyes.”  to 
use  a Homeric  figure,  in  fine  frenzy,  rolling,  while  his  soul 
exhausts  itself  in  passionate  invocation  to  the  great  Pa- 
cific Railroad.  Alas!  the  soft  notes  are  echoed  along  the 
banks  of  the  old  Father  of  Waters.  He  smiles  in  derision 
at  the  abortive  appeal  of  the  railroad  bard.  He  trusted 
that  the  gentleman  would  not  imitate  Sappho,  and  plunge 
in  despair  into  the  turbid  waters  that  flow  at  his  feet. 

So  much  for  poetry  and  the  muses,  which  had  been  so 
largely  invoked  in  behalf  of  railroads.  He  (Mr.  W.)  was 
afflicted  with  a profound  skepticism  in  regard  to  the  effi- 
cacy of  any  such  appliances  to  effect  such  results.  He 
did  not  believe  that  DeWitt  Clinton  effected  his  great  en- 
terprise by  such  means. 

Mr.  Walker  next  noticed  the  attack  upon  his  doctrine, 
that  the  commercial  dependence  of  the  North  and  South 
was  the  best  security  of  the  Union.  The  gentleman  from 
Arkansas  thought  that  sentiment,  a common  glory,  the 
star-spangled  banner,  the  portrait  of  Washington,  etc., 
etc.,  were  better  securities  than  this.  He  illustrated  by 
reference  to  the  marriage  alliance.  Do  man  and  woman 
come  together  from  a feeling  of  mere  self  interest  and 
mutual  dependence  ? No ; but  they  will  not  continue 
together  unless  they  are  mutually  dependent.  Sever 
them  in  interest,  in  care  and  property,  and  the  holiest  of 
ties  will  soon  become  frail  and  uncertain.  So  with  these 
States.  Let  their  interests  conflict — let  them  be  severed 
in  commerce,  in  friendly  intercourse,  in  mutual  depend- 
ence, and  there  will  be  no  more  of  vitality  left  in  this 
Union  than  there  is  an  Egyptian  mummy  which  has 
rested  in  the  catacombs  for  three  thousand  years. 

After  some  further  remarks,  Mr.  Walker  concluded  his 
speech. 

Capt.  Albert  Pike  arose  to  reply  to  the  re- 
marks made  by  Mr.  Walker.  [Great  sensation  in  the 
house  and  cries  of  “ Take  the  stand.”  The  speaker  de- 
dined  the  privilege,  however,  as  all  that  he  wished  to  say 
could  as  well  be  said  from  his  seat.J  He  said,  Mr.  President. 
I have  on  a previous  occasion  replied  to  the  charge  of  be- 
ing a poet  rather  than  a practical  man.  I have  not  now 
half  a dozen  words  to  say.  The  gentleman  desires  to  have 
the  last  word.  I have  no  objection.  I did  not  seek— I do 
not  now  seek  any  gladiatorial  contest  with  him.  I never 
seek  such  contests  with  any.  To  the  arguments  I say 
nothing ; I leave  this  Convention  to  decide  on  them 
if  they  need  any  decision.  Sir,  I never  did  charge  the 
gentleman  with  being  wanting  in  either  music  or  poetry. 
I have  never  used  the  word  “ music  ” once.  But  I did 
say,  that  if,  like  Diogenes  with  his  lantern,  I were  going 
through  New  Orleans  in  search  of  a sound,  practical  man. 
that  gentleman  would  be  the  very  last  man  I should  select. 
He  is  nothing  but  music  and  poetry.  I appeal  to  those 
most  legitimate  of  all  judges  who  honor  us  with  their 
presence,  whether  his  whole  speech  was  not  music  and 
poetry.  He  represents  me  as  undertaking  to  buUd  the 
Pacific  Railroad  by  means  of  song  ! Once  there  was  a 
time  when  an  ancient  nation  was  about  to  go  to  war , 
They  selected  an  old  lame  schoolmaster  for  their  General, 
who  led  his  army  into  battle  by  songs,  which  have  be- 
come immortal.  His  name  was  Tyrtseus.  Should  this 
nation  ever  propose  to  select  a General  to  command  its 
armies,  for  similar  qualifications,  I will  cheerfully  waive 
all  my  4>retensions  in  favor  of  the  gentleman  from  New 
Orleans. 

On  the  motion  to  adopt  the  resolutions  calling 
on  the  several  Southern  States  on  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  to  unite  in  petitioning  the  Legislatures 
to  establish  a system  of  quarantine, 

The  Pacific  Railroad  resolutions  were  then 
taken  up  and  adopted,  separately,  vrith  a tech- 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


21 


nioal  amendment  to  the  seventh.  [These  reso- 
lutions we  have  already  published.] 

Mr.  A.  P.  Bennett,  of  Brownsville,  Texas, 
oflfered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution, 
which  were  referred  to  the  General  Committee : 

Whereas.)  There  now  exists  a state  of  affairs  upon  our 
Southwestern  frontier  that  is  deplorable  alike  to  the  ag- 
ricultural and  commercial  interests,  growth  and  prosperity 
of  Western  Texas  and  to  the  proper  administration  of 
justice  growing  out  of  the  absence  of  any  treaty  with  the 
Republic  of  Mexico,  of  commerce,  or  the  extradition  ©f 
criminals,  or  fugitives  from  labor,  therefore,  be  it 
Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  the  Presi- 
dent and  Senate  of  the  United  States  the  establishment  of 
a mutual  commercial  treaty  with  Mexico,  whereby  our 
products  shall  be  admitted  into  that  country  on  equal 
terms  with  those  of  more  favored  nations  ; also  a treaty 
for  the  mutual  extradition  of  fugitives  from  justice  and 
fugitives  from  labor  or  service — meaning  slaves  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States,  and  peons  on  that  of  Mexico. 

Rev.  C.  Cotton,  of  Mississippi,  offered  a reso- 
lution setting  forth  the  importance  of  Southern 
education  to  Southern  citizenship.  The  reso- 
lution was  adopted. 

Mr.  Hyams,  of  Alexandria,  called  up  his  reso- 
lution on  the  subject  of  specific  duties  on  sugar 
and  molasses,  and  addressed  the  Convention  in 
a very  able  manner  at  considerable  length  in 
support  of  it.  We  regret  that  we  are  not  able 
to  give  his  speech  in  full.  The  resolution  was 
adopted, 

A resolution  was  offered  by  Mr. , 

of  Tennessee,  relative  to  the  duties  on  railroad 
iron,  which  was  adopted. 

Mr.  B.  Musselman,  of  Kentucky,  offered  the 
following,  which  was  adopted : 

Whereas,  The  enlargement  of  the  Louisville  and  Port- 
land Canal,  at  the  Palls  of  the  Ohio  River,  is  contemplated 
by  the  General  Government  of  the  United  States,  there- 
fore be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  most  earnestly  requests 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  in  making  such 
contemplated  improvements  around  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio 
River  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  that  such  improvements  be  made 
on  the  Southern  side  of  the  river. . 

Mr.  Woolridge,  of  Kentucky,  offered  the  fol- 
lowing, which  was  referred  to  the  General  Com  - 
mittee : 

Resolved,  That  while  we  admire  the  great  intellects  of 
other  lands  and  ages,  we  still  consider  it  a subject  of  re- 
gret that  an  undue  deference  is  paid  to  distinguished 
names  which  owe  perhaps  the  greater  portion  of  the  pre- 
eminence they  enjoy  to  antique  association  and  the  un- 
distinguishing admiration  and  homage  of  mankind — and 
that  therefore  this  Convention  instruct  Congress,  that  in 
all  the  educational  systems  under  the  control  or  influence 
of  the  General  Government  the  works  of  the  poets,  orators 
and  philosophers  of  Republican  America  should  obtain  a 
decided  preference  over  the  literature  of  Greece,  Rome 
or  the  modern  nations  of  Europe,  especially  of  Great 
Britain — that  so  our  youths  may  enjoy  the  advantage  of 
the  stirring,  patriotic  and  practical  literature  of  our  own 
progressive  age  and  country,  and  be  no  longer  hampered 
and  oppressed  by  further  theories  of  Government,  defunct 
models  of  literature,  corrupt  and  demoralizing  forms, 
Aicial  life  or  irrational  and  absurd  systems  of  religious  be^ 
lief. 


Mr.  J ennings,  of  Louisiana,  offered  resolutions 
urging  the  Legislatures  of  the  Southern  States 
to  repeal  all  usury  laws.  Referred  to  the  Gen- 
eral Committee. 

The  following  resolutions  from  the  General 
Committee  were  then  taken  up  and  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  Congress 
the  appropriation  of  sufidcient  funds  for  deepening  the 
channel  through  Atchafalaya  and  Galveston  Bays,  and 
for  preventing  the  tendency  of  shoaling  within  the  har 
bor  of  Galveston. 

Resolved,  That  we  also  recommend  the  proper  fortifica- 
tion of  Galveston  Bay,  and  the  establishment  of  a ma- 
rine hospital  there. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  continuation  of  the 
improvement  of  Matagorda  Bay. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  to  the  Con 
gress  of  the  United  States  an  appropriation  for  the  im 
provement  of  the  navigation  of  Red  River. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  recommend  to  the 
merchants  and  capitalists  of  Southern  commercial  ports 
the  establishment  of  lines  of  steamers  between  their  re- 
spective ports  and  the  different  ports  of  Europe. 

Resolved,  That  to  further  this  great  object,  Congress  be 
recommended  to  make  such  appropriations  for  deepening 
the  inlets  to  harbors  and  for  other  purposes,  as  may  be 
deemed  necessary. 

Professor  Chilton,  of  Louisiana,  addressed  the 
Convention  at  some  length,  and  was  listened  to 
with  attention  on  the  subject  of  deepening  the 
mouths  of  the  Mississippi. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi, 
the  Convention  then  adjourned  until  7 o’clock 
in  the  evening. 

Gen.  Lamar  said ; Gentlemen  of  the  Con- 
vention— When  I accepted  the  office  of  President  of  this 
body,  the  deep  interest  I took  in  its  deliberations,  apart 
from  the  high  confidence  conferred  upon  me,  determined 
me  to  remain  with  you  until  the  close  of  your  session.  A 
variety  of  circumstances  call  me  away,  and  I am  con- 
strained to  throw  myself  upon  your  indulgence  and  ask 
leave  to  retire.  My  present , indisposition  precludes  the 
possibility  of  addressing  you  on  this  occasion  in  any  man- 
ner that  is  congenial  to  my  feelings.  In  parting  with 
you  I can  only  say  I leave  my  heart  behind— a heart 
whose  highest  aspiration  is  for  the  good  of  my  country 
and  for  the  happiness  of  her  most  devoted  champions. 

This  hall  you  have  sanctified  as  a temple  for  the  wor- 
ship of  liberty.  And  it  is  with  pride  and  exultation  that 
I have  witnessed  the  prayer-offerings  of  patriotism  and 
genius  that  have  been  laid  upon  the  altar  of  the  temple. 
The  altar  may  perish  in  the  dust,  but  the  noble  senti- 
ments that  have  been  uttered  here  and  principles  that 
have  been  set  forth,  will  never  perish . They  will  roll 
down  the  tide  of  time  and  be  more  durable  than  the 
greatest  monuments  in  bronze  or  marble.  Truth,  my 
friends,  gushing  forth  from  the  hearts  of  patriots,  en- 
forced by  eloquence  and  wearing  the  habiliments  of  po- 
etry, is  the  brightest  crown  of  a nation’s  glory.  Our  ses- 
sion has  been  a harmonious  and  united  one,  and  one  that 
I trust  will  produce  a full,  and  wide,  and  deep  fruition  of 
our  highest  hopes.  And  I think  that  the  nation  at  large 
will  find  some  reason  to  rejoice  at  the  frankness  of  our 
sentiments  and  the  fervor  of  our  devotion.  We  part  now 
and  may  not  meet  again.  The  grateful  recollection  of 
kindness  manifested  towards  me,  I can  not  now  com- 
mand language  to  express.  In  taking  my  leave  of  you  I 
will  not  say  farewell,  but  conclude  by  quoting  those 
lovely  lines— 

“ Farewell,  farewell,  ’tis  a lonely  sound. 

And  ofttimes  brings  a sigh  ; 

But  give  to  me  when  loved  ones  part 
That  sweet  old  word  good-bye.” 


22  Southern  Commercial  Covnention. 


EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Convention  reassembled  at  7 o’clock,  Gen. 
Lamar  in  the  chair. 

Judge  Bemiss  offered  resolutions  requesting 
the  General  Committee  to  report  upon  all  busi- 
ness before  them  on  Monday,  and  that  the 
Convention  adjourn  on  Tuesday.  Both  were 
adopted. 

A resolution  offered  by  Mr.  Howard,  of  Ala- 
bama, to  the  effect  that  the  next  meeting  of 
this  Convention  shall  be  held  in  Mobile  in  May 
next,  was  laid  on  the  table  subject  to  call. 

A letter  was  read  from  Mr.  Myers,  Chairman 
of  the  Southern  Steam  Packet  Committee,  ap- 
pointed at  the  Charleston  Convention,  which  en- 
closed the  report  of  the  committee  and  several 
resolutions.  Referred  to  the  General  Commit- 
tee. 

Rev.  C.  Colton,  of  Mississippi,  addressed  the 
Convention  on  the  subject  of  Education.  In  the 
course  of  his  remarks  he  stated  that  one  or  two 
gentlemen  connected  with  Southern  Universities 
hsd  manuscripts  in  readiness  for  publication, 
and  were  only  awaiting  the  action  of  the  Con- 
vention on  the  subject. 

Rev.  C.  K.  Marshall  followed  upon  the  same 
subject,  with  his  usual  force  and  eloquence. 

Mr.  R.  C.  Nicholas,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the 
following,  which  was  adopted  unanimously  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  most  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  the  Legislature  of  Louisiana  the  application  of 
$1000  a year  of  the  school  fund,  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
couraging the  publication  of  such  school  books  as  are 
adapted  to  the  instruction  of  the  youth  of  Louisiana. 

Resolutions,  reported  upon  favorably  by  the 
General  Committee,  were  taken  up  and  adopted. 
They  were  as  follows  : 

Asking  Congress  to  establish  a navy  yard  or  naval  de 
pot  at  or  near  NewOrleans. 

Asking  Congress  so  to  revise  the  marine  laws  as  to  en- 
able seamen  who  may  have  lost  their  protection  papers  to 
obtain  admission  to  the  marine  hospitals. 

Asking  Southern  States  to  extend  all  possible  aid  and 
encouragement  to  the  opening  of  the  Tehuantepec  route  to 
the  Pacific. 

Asking  Congress  to  make  appropriations  for  a ship  ca- 
nal across  the  Isthmus  of  Florida. 

Asking  Congress  to  assist  Southern  and  South-western 
railroad  enterprises  by  alternate  grants  of  land  on  the 
various  routes,  and  the  abolition  of  duties  on  railroad 
iibn  and  other  materials. 

Resolutions  adverse  to  the  suspension  of  the 
navy  yard  at  Memphis,  and  to  the  accumula- 
tion of  coin  in  the  U.  S.  Treasury,  were  laid  on 
the  table,  indefinitely. 

A series  of  resolutions,  reported  by  the  Special 
Committee  on  the  Pacific  Railroad,  asking  Con- 
gress to  aid  in  the  construction  of  a great  trunk 
railroad  to  the  Pacific,  by  appropriating  a por- 
tion of  the  public  domain,  and  expressing  the 


opinion  in  favor  of  one  great  trunk  road,  with 
branches  to  the  principal  cities  on  the  Missis- 
sippi River,  were  adopted. 

Judge  Bemiss  offered  a resolution  recommend- 
ing the  Legislature  of  Louisiana  to  appropriate 
^10,000  a year  to  aid  in  the  establishment  of  a 
line  of  steamers  from  NewOrleans  to  the  most 
western  port  in  Europe.  Laid  on  the  table. 

The  resolutions  offered  by  Dr.  Barton,  in  the 
morning,  relative  to  the  sanitary  condition  of 
the  South,  were  taken  up  and  adopted. 

Dr.  McGimsey,  of  Baton  Rouge,  offered  reso- 
lutions requesting  merchants  and  planters  not 
to  trade  with  the  North,  which  were  laid  on  the 
table. 

The  resolution  of  Mr.  Howard,  of  Alabama, 
relative  to  the  meeting  of  the  Convention  in  Mo- 
bile, in  May  next,  was  taken  up  and  amended, 
by  requesting  the  President  to  appoint  a com- 
mittee of to  ask  the  Governors  of  the  slave- 

holding States,  and  the  Mayors  of  the  cities  of 
said  States,  to  appoint  delegates  to  said  Conven- 
tion. 

Judge  Walker  moved  to  strike  out  all  after 
the  word  “resolved,”  and  insert,  “that  this 
Convention,  when  it  adjourns,  adjourn  sine  die.*’ 

Some  considerable  discussion  ensued  upon 
these  motions,  and  among  others  Mr.  Pike,  of  Ar- 
kansas, stated  that  the  reason  why  the  attend- 
ance from  the  neighboring  States  was  so  much 
less  than  was  expected,  was  because  New  Or- 
leans had  not  only  neglected  to  make  arrange- 
ments for  the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  but 
that  one  branch  of  the  City  Council  had  refused 
to  concur  with  the  other  in  a resolution  inviting 
the  Governors  of  the  respective  States  to  appoint 
delegates.  In  many  of  the  States  it  was  be- 
lieved that  the  Convention  would  not  meet,  and 
he  instanced  those  of  South  Carolina  and  Geor- 
gia, and  even  of  Arkansas  and  Tennessee. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Walker  was  put  and 
lost. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi,  offered  a substi- 
tute that  a committee  of  seven,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  President,  should  select  a place  and  ap- 
point a time  for  the  next  meeting  of  this  Conven- 
tion. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Howard,  of  Alabama,  the 
whole  subject  was  laid  on  the  table  subject  to 
call. 

Mr.  Todd,  of  New  Orleans,  offered  a resolu- 
tion that  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  be 
printed  in  pamphlet  form. 

The  printing  is  to  be  done  under  the  direction 


Southern  Commercial  Convention. 


of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Convention.  The  reso-  Mr.  Pike  offered  the  following  resolution. 


lution  was  passed. 

Mr.  Pike,  of  Arkansas,  moved  that  a com- 
mittee of  Ways  and  Means,  consisting  of  three 
members,  be  appointed  by  the  President,  to 
raise  the  means  to  pay  for  the  printing,  which 
was  adopted. 

The  President  then  announced  the  following 
committee  to  wait  upon  the  Legislature  of  Lou- 
isiana and  obtain  a charter  for  the  Pacific 
Railroad:  Albert  Pike,  of  Arkansas;  Judge 
Overton,  of  Louisiana ; Dr.  Young,  of  Louisi- 
ana ; Hon.  Emile  La  Sere,  of  Louisiana ; and 
Col.  M.  T.  Johnson,  of  Texas. 

The  President  also  appointed  Messrs.  Pike, 
Dolbear  and  Gordon,  as  a Committee  of  Ways 
and  Means. 


SIXTH 


Monday,  January  15, 1855, 

The  Convention  met  at  noon. 

On  motion,  the  calling  of  the  roll  and  reading 
of  the  journal  were  dispensed  with. 

Mr.  C.  C.  Lathrop,  the  Secretary,  announced 
the  arrival  of  Mr.  C.  G.  Baylor,  editor  of  the 
Cotton  PTant,  at  Washington  City,  and  moved 
that  he  be  permitted  to  address  the  Convention. 

Judge  Walker  suggested  that  as  the  attend- 
ance was  slim,  Mr.  Baylor  should  reserve  his 
speech  for  a more  proper  time,  and  that  the  Con- 
vention proceed  with  routine  business. 

Mr.  Baylor  stated  that  his  object  was  not  to 
address  an  audience,  but  to  offer  simply  a reso- 
lution for  the  consideration  of  the  Convention. 

The  resolutions  of  Mr.  DeCordova,  in  refer- 
ence to  a treaty  with  Spain  and  Mexico,  and  of 
Mr.  Estes,  asking  Congress  to  reduce  the  tariff' 
on  coal,  which  had  been  reported  back  by  the 
General  Committee,  were  taken  up  and  adopted. 

A motion  being  made  to  reconsider  the  action 
of  Saturday  in  reference  to  the  printing  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Convention, 

Mr.  Dolbear,  from  the  Committee  of  Ways 
and  Means  appointed  for  that  purpose,  stated 
that  all  the  expenses  of  printing  the  proceedings 
would  be  defrayed  by  the  city  of  New  Orleans. 


which  was  unanimously  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  scholars,  the  enlightened  merchants 
and  the  men  of  science  and  learning  in  the  Southern  and 
South-western  States,  are  respectfully  invited  by  this  Con- 
vention to  prepare  and  lay  before  it.  at  its  next  sitting, 
papers  and  memoirs,  statistical,  scientific  or  otherwise, 
germain  to  the  objects  and  purposes  of  the  Convention, 
and  referring  to  the  subjects  which  have  engaged  its  at 
tention,  to  be  published  as  a portion  of  the  transactions 
of  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Jennings,  of  Louisiana,  offered  a resolu- 
tion commending  the  report  of  the  Sanitary 
Commission,  appointed  by  this  city  in  1858,  to 
the  attentive  perusal  of  the  cities  and  towns  of 
the  South,  which  have  been  afflicted  with  yel- 
low fever. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  then  adjourned 
until  Monday  morning,  at  11  o’clock. 


D A Y. 


Dr.  Barton,  of  Louisiana,  offered  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions,  which  were 
adopted : 

Wheereas,  it  is  of  incalculable  importance  to  our  com- 
mon country,  and  to  the  Southern  and  Western  States 
particularly,  that  the  position  pointed  out  by  nature  and 
improved  by  man,  as  the  great  depot  most  convenient  and 
accessible  to  all,  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  should  have  re 
moved  the  only  impediment  to  that  free  intercourse  which 
consists  in  an  improvement  in  her  sanitary  condition. 
And  whereas,  to  the  site  of  the  city  of  NewOrleans  con- 
verges most  of  the  great  rivers  of  the  country,  and  is 
about  being  made  a center  of  a system  of  Bailroads  still 
more  extending  her  sphere  of  usefulness,  placed,  as  she  is, 
in  the  estuary  of  that  magnificent  stream  whose  tributa- 
ries, susceptible  of  navigation,  is  the  natural  and  most 
convenient  outlet  and  mart  of  the  largest  and  most  fertile 
valley  in  the  world,  the  richest  portion  of  our  common 
country.  And  whereas,  it  is  well  known  that  nature 
makes  no  great  location  for  a large  city  without  some 
compensating  disadvantages— her  unequaled  convenience 
for  commercial  purposes  in  the  sale  and  exchange  of  the 
great  mass  of  the  productions  of  our  common  country 
and  of  the  world,  is  met  by  influences  on  her  visitors  and 
immigrants  in  a sanitary  point  of  view,  which  materially 
impairs  her  usefulness  to  all.  And  whereas,  it  has  been 
demonstrated  by  the  most  scientific  and  experienced  of 
her  faculty,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  practical  men, 
that  the  insalubrity  of  this  city,  caused  by  her  epidemics, 
is  entirely  under  the  control  of  sanitary  measures,  which, 
when  completed,  would  enable  her  to  compete  in  that  re- 
spect with  any  of  the  great  marts  of  commerce  of  our 
country — the  entire  probability  of  which  is  most  satisfac- 
torily shown  by  reference  to  the  condition  of  the  rural 
districts  around  us.  (as  exhibited  by  the  mortuary  re- 
turns of  the  late  United  States  census,)  which  will  com- 
pare favorably  with  those  of  any  section  of  our  country - 
That  whereas,  with  the  restoration  of  her  sanitary  condi- 
tion, NewOrleans  presents  a climate  unsurpassed,  at  all 


■ZT 


^ontnern  commercial  convention. 


seasons,  for  all  the  purposes  of  business  or  recreation— 
neither  oppressed  by  summer’s  extreme  heat  nor  in- 
convenienced by  winter’s  cold,  which  every  one  of 
her  rivals  is  afidicted  with— that,  as  it  is  impor- 
tant for  the  interest  of  the  Southern  and  South-west- 
ern States  to  have  their  great  central  mart  as  healthy 
as  it  is  convenient  and  indispensable  for  these  States. 

And  whereas.  New  Orleans  has  spent  for  the  actual  and 
contemplated  citizens  of  the  said  States,  through  her 
elemosynary  institutions,  more  than  $2,000,000— as  can  be 
shown  by  their  records — when,  far  from  their  homes,  they 
were  stricken  down  by  sickness  and  misfortune — constitu- 
ting a strong  bond  of  union,  of  feeling — of  interest  and  of 
destiny- and  whereas,  had  she  expended  this  large  sum 
on  her  sanitary  condition,  she  would  now  defy  all  rivalry  ; 
but  the  calls  of  humanity  silence  the  voice  of  interest ; 
and  whereas,  now,  crippled  as  she  has  been  by  repeated  re- 
curences  of  these  clearly  removable  calamities  ofpestilence. 
and  compelled,  as  she  has  been,  to  spend  most  of  her  vast 
resources  for  the  conveniences  and  advancement  of  com- 
merce for  the  improvement  of  her  wharves  for  the  recep- 
tion and  transmission  of  goods  to  and  from  the  interior, 
and  for  pavements,  most  of  whioh  are  for  the  benefit  of 
her  sister  States — that,  in  fact,  she  has  been  made  a great 
factorage  of,  mainly  for  their  use  and  benefit — these  have 
all  involved  her  in  heavy  responsibilities,  which  hang 
upon  her  efforts  and  prosperity  as  a great  incubus,  from 
which  she  has  long  been  endeavoring  to  extricate  herself, 
and  therefore  she  is  entitled  to  the  sympathy  and  co-opera- 
tion of  her  sister  States  represented  in  this  Convention, 
to  aid  in  extricating  her  from  her  embarrassment ; and, 
as  the  amelioration  of  her  sanitary  condition,  in  which 
they  are  nearly  as  much  interested  as  she  is,  is  alone  re- 
quired to  accomplish  all  the  purposes  expected  or  desired 
of  her  position ; and,  as  the  Government  of  our  common 
country  has  many  millions  of  acres  of  public  lands 
intended,  or  remaining  as  a reserved  fund,  for  the  great 
wants  and  purposes  of  our  people,  it  is  hereby 

Resolved,  As  the  unanimous  sense  of  this  Convention, 
that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  could  not  more 
appropriately  grant  2,000,000  acres  of  the  public  do- 
main than  for  the  great  and  patriotic  purpose  of  restor- 
ing one  of  her  most  important  cities  to  salubrity. 

Resolved,  That  the  Senators  and  Representatives  of  our 
several  States  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  be  re- 
quested to  co-operate  in  procuring  from  the  said  Govern- 
ment the  grant  of  land  aforesaid,  on  the  express  condi- 
tion that  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  thereof  be  appropriated 
solely  to  the  amelioration  of  her  sanitary  condition, 
through  the  executive  councils  of  the  city. 

Resolved,  That  a Committee  of  three  delegates  of  this 
Convention  be  now  appointed,  whose  duty  it  is  hereby 
made  to  carry  out  the  sense  of  this  Convention. 

Attorney  General  Isaac  N.  Morse,  of  New  Or- 
leans, offered  the  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lutions, which  he  accompanied  by  an  explana- 
tory address ; 

Whereas,  One  of  the  objects  of  this  Convention  is  to  ob- 
tain valuable  and  useful  information,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Representatives  and  Senators  of  the 
States  represented  in  this  Convention  be  respectfully  re- 
quested to  procure,  from  the  proper  departments  in  Wash- 
ington, the  cost  of  the  several  customhouses  in  the  Uni- 
ted States,  the  number  of  persons  employed,  and  the  ex- 
pense of  collecting  the  annual  revenue. 

Resolved,  That  they  be  further  requested  to  inquire  into 
the  propriety  of  substituting  for  the  present  method  of 
collecting  the  revenue,  direct  taxation,  and  the  propriety 
of  abolishing  the  whole  system  of  customhouses  and  im- 
post duties. 

Gen.  M.  desired  to  make  a few  remarks.  He  thought  a 
legitimate  object  of  this  Convention  was  to  obtain  correct 
commercial  information,  not  only  with  regard  to  the  South- 
ern States,  but  with  regard  to  the  whole  of  this  Union. 
He  spoke  of  the  prejudice  existing  against  direct  taxa- 
tion. It  had  been  thought  to  be  more  agreeable  to  make 
men  contribute  to  the  support  of  General  Government 
indirectly.  He  thought  he  could  show  with  a very  few 


words  that  the  present  duties  on  imports  compelled  the 
man  who  is  least  able  to  pay  the  most.  Of  the  man  who 
had  been  fortunate  and  accumulated  an  amount  of  ten 
thousand  dollars.  Government  demanded  one  dollar  for  the 
support  of  the  army,  the  navy  and  the  judiciary,  whioh  is 
to  protect  his  property.  Of  the  man  who  amassed  a for- 
tune of  twenty  thousand  dollars.  Government  required 
two  dollars.  Now,  all  this  seemed  perfectly  fair  and  hon- 
est. John  Jacob  Astor,  the  distinguished  millionaire,  pos- 
sessed a fortune  of  twenty  or  thirty  millions  and  William 
Gray  was  owner  of  ninety  sail  of  square-rigged  vessels 
Now,  to  protect  the  property  of  these  gentlemen,  the 
army  and  navy  of  the  ITnited  States  were  sent  to  distant 
seas.  In  return  for  this  they  actually  paid  nothing  into 
the  public  treasury.  It  is  true,  a tax  was  laid  upon  sugar, 
upon  English  broadcloths,  etc. ; but  it  is  also  known  that 
for  the  last  twenty  years  of  John  Jacob  Astor’s  life,  he 
consumed  none  of  thes^articles.  He  lived  principally 
upon  milk,  and  absolutely  did  not  contribute  as  much 
to  the  expense  of  General  Government,  as  a man  in  Min- 
nesota or  Nebraska  who  kept  a cow,  ox  and  horse.  Now, 
in  return,  what  does  this  man  who  resides  in  the  interior 
want  with  army  or  navy  ? A foreign  foe  cannot  trouble 
him  ; and  yet  he  contributes  more  to  support  of  Govern- 
ment than  the  man  who  possesses  millions. 

He  thought  it  perfectly  fair  and  honest  for  a man  to 
contribute  to  the  maintenance  of  government ; and  at' 
the  same  time  the  people  had  a perfect  right  to  inquire 
how  the  Government  funds  were  expended.  He  would 
like  to  know  how  many  millions  were  being  expended  on 
the  Custom-House  here. 

Nothing  could  be  gained  by  taxing  foreign  imports. 
The  addition  was  immediately  made  upon  the  articles  on 
which  the  duties  are  imposed.  An  English  or  NewOrleans 
merchant  buys  fiour  at  six  dollars  per  barrel,  ships  to  Cu- 
ba and  a duty  is  laid  upon  it  which  advances  the  ‘price 
to  ten  dollars.  He  ships  to  New  Orleans,  pays  another 
duty  and  advances  the  price  to  nineteen  or  twenty  dollars 
Now  who  pays  this  duty  ? The  citizens  of  New  Orleans. 
Here  was  a subject  which  intelligent  men  should  think  of. 
He  had  heard  men  talk  of  the  sword  leaping  from  the 
scabbard  against  direct  taxation.  It  is  true,  we  did  draw 
the  sword  and  kept  it  unsheathed  for  eight  years  be- 
cause Great  Britain  imposed  a direct  tax  without  any 
right.  It  remained  to  he  seen  whether  the  liberality  of 
this  Convention  would  aid  him  in  obtaining  information 
of  Government  at  Washington  as  to  the  amount  we  have 
invested  in  the  Custom-House.  He  had  been  informed 
that  it  cost  near  thirty-three  per  cent,  to  collect  the  reve- 
nue of  the  United  States.  He  proposed  to  avoid  this  vast 
expenditure  by  direct  taxation.  He  wanted  all  duty  to 
be  removed.  The  people  wanted  Railroads,  they  wanted 
iron.  The  duty  on  iron  is  thirty  per  cent.  Remove  this 
duty  and  it  can  be  obtained  from  England  for  less  than 
in  the  United  States.  He  wished  to  make  the  port  of 
New  Orleans  free ; to  let  the  produce  of  the  world  come 
here  and  make  this  the  greatest  exchange  market  in  the 
world.  Ships  of  the  world  will  come  here  with  their  pro- 
duce when  they  are  exempt  from  a duty  of  thirty  to  forty 
and  eighty  per  cent.  At  our  next  census  the  United 
States  will  number  thirty-six  millions  of  people.  Thirty- 
six  millions  economically  expended  will  be  sufficient  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  this  Government.  In  conclusion 
he  asked  most  respectfully  that  these  resolutions  be 
adopted  in  order  that  they  might  know  what  the  collect- 
ing of  the  revenue  cost.  His  remarks  were  very  atten- 
tively listened  to,  and  he  was  highly  applauded  on  taking 
his  seat. 

Mr.  Wilkinson  made  a few  remarks  in  reply. 
He  hoped  the  resolution  would  not  pass.  He  thought  there 
was  too  great  a disposition  to  tax  property  holders.  If 
you  want  to  build  a railroad  or  establish  a line  of  steam- 
ships you  tax  people  who  have  property.  He  alluded  to 
the^fact  that  two  taxes  were  assessed— a property  tax  and 
another  called  ^ poll  tax.  This  was  imposed  upon  those 
who  are  supposed  to  have  no  property.  There  is  a great 
portion  of  this  class  who  pay  no  tax  whatever.  He 
thought  the  Attorney  General  was  personally  interested 
in  the  repeal  of  import  duties,  and  he  proceeded  to  sup- 
port bis  argument  by  a personal  allusion  to  that  funo- 


flfotithern  (!ommercial  Convention.  26 


tionary  and  his  .family— ini^exTing  that  he  wished  to  es- 
cape tne  payment  erf  duties  upon  champagne,  broad- cloths, 
■iltts  laces,  etc, 

i'l’Dr.  Wilkinson,  of  Plaquemines,  spoke  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  resolutions,  and  moved  that  they 
be  laid  on  the  table. 

Judge  John  C.  Larue,  of  New  Orleans,  urged 
upon  the  Convention  the  importance  of  them, 
and  movQij^Jiat  they  be  laid  over,  to  be  taken 
up  by  preference  at  the  ne;xt  meeting  of  the 
Conventioi?i.  The  motion  was  carried. 

Mr.  N.  B.  Jennings’s  resolution,  asking  the 
Legislatures  of  the  Southern  States  to  repeal  all 
usury  laws,  and  permit  individuals  and  corpora- 
tiongi  to  deal  in  money  as  they  please,  was  taken 
up. 

Jud^e  Walker  moved  to  amend  it  by  striking 
out  the  words  “ and  odrpor ations . ’ ’ 

Cipt.  Albert  Pike  thought  it  would  be  better 
to  postpone  action  upon  such  an  important  mat- 
ter till  the  next  session  of  the  Convention. 

The  President  coincided  vsrith  Capt.  Pike. 

Mr.  Jennings  consented  that  the  matter  be 
postponed,  and  moved  the  appointment  of  a 
special  committee  of  three  to  consider  and  re- 
port upon  the  subject  at  the  next  Convention, 
The  motion  was  carried. 

Mr.  C.  G.  Baylor,  of  Washington,  then  rose 
and  read  the  followii^.  resolutions : , ‘ . 

Resolved,  That  C.  G.  Baylor  be  allowed  to  incorporate 
his  special  report  in  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention 
to  be  published  with  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  ibis  Convention  appoint 
a committee  of  five,  a maijority  at  leait  of  whom  shall  be 
cotton-growers,  to  act  as  a Committee  of  Correspondence 
between  the  planters  of  the  South  and  the  manufacturers 
ol  .'Biirope  in  regard  to  the  cotton  interest ; that  said  com- 
mittee can  fix  upon  the  point  to  be  the  central  point  of 
its  correspondence,  and  that  theHnfbrmation  thus  ob- 
tained be  laid  before  this  Convention  at  its  next  meeting, 
or,  if  deemed  by  the  Committee  and  President  of  this 
Convention  sufficiently  important,  before  a Special  Oon- 
vehtion  of  cotton-growers,  called'  together  for  that  pnr- 
ppse.  ' 

Mr.  Baylor  remarked  that- his  object  in  offey- 
ing  Ibis  resolution  was  to  test  a theory  which  has  been 
known,  as  direct  trade,  and  for  many  years  has  receited 
much  discussion.  His  object  was  to  put  the  cotton  grow- 
ers of  the  United  States  in  direct  correspondehc&  with  the 
cotton  manufacturing  interests  of  .Europe.  He  remarked 
that  Liverpool  merchants  had  entire  control  of  the  cotton 
trade  ; that  cotton  planters  were  mere  hewers  of  wood- 
overseers  of  that  great  estate  which  was  managed  by 
others.  His  object  was  to  show  that  if  cotton  planters 
would  come  forward  and  put  themselves  in  correspon- 
dence with  the  cotton  interests  of  Europe,  they  would 
certainly  respond  to  them  and  heartily  co-operate  with 
them  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  up  Liverpool  monopoly. 

I want  to  see  a time  and  a company  of  men  engage  in 
this  business  who  have  got  individual  wealth  and  personal 
standing  to  vouch  for  whatever  they  undertake.  What 
will  he  the  result  ? All  I ask  of  this  Convention  is  the 
passage  of  this  resolution,  and  to  appoint  a committee. 
There  are  those  here  who  are  interested  In  the  cotton 


business.  England  is  not  a consumer  of  cotton;  she  is 
only  a reproducer.  Labor  is  cheaper  on  the  Continent 
than  in  Englan^  population  on  the  Continent  of  Europe 
is  greater  than  England.  England  is  only  a speculator. 
She  ships  annually  more  than  thirty-five  millions  in  cot- 
ton. By  means  of  her  capital  and  organization  she  con- 
trols the  great  crop  of  America.  What  does  she  do  with 
it  ! It  requires  forty  out  of  every  hundred  bales  of  cot- 
ton to  take  it  to  Liverpool  and  sell  it.  What’s  the  effect 
of  that  monopoly  ? The  result  is,  the  Liverpool  mer- 
chants control  the  price  of  cotton.  We  are  dependent 
upon  Ler  alone.  You  are  demanded  to  break  up  that  mo- 
nopoly. Russia  and  Turkey  go  to  war.  It  touches  no 
part  of  America,  hut  England  chooses  to  engage  in  the 
war,  and  plunges  all  Europe  in  a war  with  her.  What  is 
the  effect  on  the  price. of  cotton?  It  was  this  year  and 
last  forty  millions  ; simply  because  England  involves  her- 
self in  Eastern  War.  It  has  been  urged  thslt  the  estab- 
lishm^t  of  direct  communication  with  the  manufacturing 
interests  of  Europe  would  injure  the  commercial  prosper- 
ity of  New  Orleans.  So  far  from  that  being  the  case,  it 
would  have  a tendency  to  build  it  up.  If  a depot  for 
cotton  were  established  on  the  Continent  and  the  Liver- 
pool monopoly  broken  up,  would  that  injure  the  commer- 
cial prosperity  of  New  Orleans  ? Not  at  all ; it  would 
only  promote  it. 

We  regret  that  lack  of  room  compels  us  to 
omit  the  remainder  of  the  talented  gentleman’s 
speech. 

The, Secretary  then  read  the  names  of  the  fo.l- 
lowing  gentlemen  as  appointed  upon  committes  : 
On  Mr.  Jennings’s  anti- usury  resolution; 
Messrs.  Jennings,  Lathrop  and, Pike. 

On  Dr.  Barton’s  sanitary  resolutions : Messrs. 
Barton,  N.  B.  Benedict  and  Gerard  Stith. 

On  Southern  Education  and  Southern  School 
Books:  C.  R.  Marshall,  of  Mississippi;  D.  F. 
Kenner,  of  Louisiana  ; M.  T.  Johnson,  of  Texas ; 
J.  S.  Preston,  of  Sohth  Carolina ; H.  W.  HiL 
Hard,  of  Alabama  ; B.  Manley,  of  Virginia  ; 
Ahbury  Hill,  of  Georgia. 

On  motion,  tlfe  Convention  then  adjourned 
to  7 o’clock  in  ^evening. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
The  resolutions  offered  by  Attorney  General 
Morse  during  the  morning  session,  in  reference 
ip  the  abolishing  , of  Custom-houses  and  import 
duties,  were  taken  up,  and  as  Judge  Larue, 
who  was  expected  to  make  an  address  in  faVor 
of  them,  was  absent,  they  were,  on  motion  of 
M^,  Jennings,  laid  on  the  table  subject  to  call. 

Judge  Waiker  offered  the  following  resolu- 
tion, which  was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  a committee  of  three  members  of  this 
Convention  he  appointed  by  the  chair  to  address  memorials 
to  the  Legislatures  of  the  Southern  and  South-western 
States,  urging  the  adoption  of  a uniform  commercial  code, 
by  which  trade  will  be  facilitated  and  the  rights  of  the 
citizens  of  the  several  States  be  placed  on  an  equal  and 
uniform  basis. 

Rev.  C F.  Marshall  offered  the  following, 
which  was  adopted ; 


26^ 


ShautKmi  Cctnmerei&i  tkfsivenii^. 


Besokmi,  Tbftt  the  aottng  President  of  this  ConTentlon 
be  requested  to  appoint  a committee  of  seren  gentlemen, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  fix  upon  the  time  and  place  for 
the  next  meeting  of  this  body,  and  publish  the  same  in 
the  journals  and  newspapers  for  the  information  of  the 
peoi;4e,  and  the  said  President  shall  be  ohairman  of  the 
committee. 

Mr.  John  A.  Watkins’s  resolutions,  asking 
the  Legislatures  of  Mississippi,  Tennessee  and 
Kentucky  to  aid  in  building  the  Jackson  Rail- 
road to  some  point  on  the  Ohio  River,  were 
taken  up  and  adopted. 

Mr.  Howard,  of  Alabama,  moved  that  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Quarantine  be 
requested  to  prepare  a copy  of  the  report  of  the 
committee  for  publication  with  the  proceedings 
of  the  Convention.  Carried. 

Mr.  Howard  offered  resolutions  tendering  the 
thanks  of  the  Convention  to  the  President  and 
Secretaries,  for  the  able  manner  in  which  they 
have  performed  their  duties ; to  the  Mayor  of 
the  city,  for  the  use  of  the  Hall ; to  the  news- 
paper reporters  and  publishers,  for  giving  the 
proceedings  proper  publicity ; to  Mr.  Campbell, 
the  Marshal ; and  to  various  other  persons,  for 
courtesies  shown  to  the  Convention.  They  were 
adopted  unanimously. 

Mr.  Jennings  made  a few  remarks  on  the  sub- 
ject of  New  Orleans  hospitality,  concerning 
which  a misunderstanding  had  existed  between 
two  distinguished  members  of  the  Convention. 
He  hoped  that  the  delegates  would  depart  from 
New  Orleans  in  a spirit  of  amity  and  good 
feeling. 

Judge  Larue  having  entered,  Mr.  Morse’s 
resolutions  were  taken  up  and  read.  The  J udge 
then  took  the  stand  and  addressed  the  Conven- 
tion. 

Mr.  Lathrop  moved  that  the  resolutions  be 
laid  on  the  table. 

Dr.  Hyams,  of  Alexandria,  was  in  favor  of 
inquiry  upon  the  subject,  but  not  of  free  trade. 

Mr.  Lathrop  then  addressed  the  Convention  in 
strong  language,  renewing  his  motion  to  lay  the 
resolutions  on  the  table. 

The  President,  Mr.  Coleman,  was  opposed  to 
the  introduction  of  such  a matter  before  the 


Convention  as  too  politieal  fat  tti  oharaottf . 
The  free  trade  question  had  been  thoroughly 
discussed  long  ago  in  its  legitimate  sphere,  and 
it  was  rather  improper  to  revive  it  at  this  late 
^ay  in  this  Commercial  Convention. 

Mr.  Howard,  of  Alabama,  thought  the  sub- 
ject worthy  the  serious  consideration  of  this  or 
any  other  Convention.  He  would  vote  to  lay 
the  resolutions  on  the  table;  not  because  he 
was  in  any  way  opposed  to  them,  but  because 
they  were  introduced  at  such  a late  stage  of 
the  proceedings. 

A vote  was  then  taken,  and  the  resolutions 
laid  on  the  table — Judge  Larue  alone  voting  in 
the  negative. 

The  resolution  of  Saturday,  fixing  Tuesday 
as  the  day  for  the  adjournment  of  the  Conven- 
tion, was  rescinded. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  then  adjourned, 
subject  to  the  call  of  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments, for  its  next  session. 

The  President  subsequently  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  on  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments: 

N.  D.  Ooleman,  of  Mississippi ; C.  R.  Marshall,  of  Mis- 
sissippi ; M.  T.  Johnson,  of  Texas ; Wm.  C.  Dawson,  of 
Oeor^a ; Jas.  Lyons,  of  Virginia ; W.  B.  H.  Howard,  of 
Alabama  ; Leslie  Oombs,  of  Kentucky,  and  John  L.  Lewis^ 
of  Louisiana. 

Judge  Walker,  Judge  Slidell  and  Attorney 
Greneral  Morse  were  appointed  on  the  committee 
called  for  by  Judge  Walker’s  resolution. 

Upon  the  committee  called  for  by  Dr.  Bar- 
ton’s resolutions,  the  following  gentlemen  were 
appointed : 

Dr.  Barton,  Chairman : and  Dr.  A.  F.  Axson,  of  Louisiana; 
Dr.  Ashbell  Smith  and  Dr.  S.  K.  Jennings,  of  Texas ; 
Hon.  Solon  Borland  and  G.  Payton,  of  Arkansas  ; F.  A. 
W.  Davis  and  T.  J.  Harper,  of  Mississippi ; Dr.  Levert 
and  Dr.  Hamilton,  of  Alabama ; Dr.  J.  P.  Scriven  and  M. 
S.  Cohen,  of  Georgia ; Dr.  N.  S.  Baldwin  and  W.  D. 
Mosely,  of  Florida ; Gen.  J.  Winslow  and  J.  H.  Gibbon,  of 
North  Carolina ; Dr.  A.  P.  Hayne  and  Dr.  King,  of  South 
Carolina ; Prof.  J.  B.  Lindsay  and  Prof.  — — , of  Tennes- 
see ; Rev.  J.  Miller  and  Lawrence  Young,  of  Kentucky ; 
Dr.  George  Engelmen  and  L.  M.  Kennett,  of  Missouri ; 
S.  F.  Leake  and  C.  A.  Rose,  of  Virginia;  Dr.  Smith  and 
Dr,  Martin,  of  Maryland. 


•J.  €7.  JHorgan^ 

EXCHANGE  PLACE, 

ADJOINUfO  THE  POST-OFFICE,  NEW  ORLEANS, 
IV^Keepfl  conatontly  on  hand  a LARGE  AITO  VARIED  STOCK 
OF  AMERICAN  AND  ENGLISH  EDITIONS  OF 

STANDARD  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  BOOKS, 


....BUBBACINQ.... 

DOMESTIC  ECONOMY,  HISTORY, 

BNGIAEERINO,  BIOGRAPHY, 

COOKERY, 

GAMES, 

BOOK-KEEPING, 

ENCYCLOPEDIAS, 

DICTIONARIES. 

ATLASES, 

GEOGRAPHIES, 

SPIRITUALISM, 

ILLUSTRATED  WORKS, 

MEDICAL  BOOKS. 

NOVELS, 

TRAVELS, 

JUVENILE  BOOKS, 

MASONIC  MANUALS, 

ODD  FELLOWS'  MANUALS. 

FRENCH,  SPANISH  AND  ITALIAN 

EDUCATIONAL  BOOKS,  etc. 

ar  Th«  sabscriber  receivei  the  LATEST  BOOKS  as  soon  as  issued 
from  the  Press. 


COMMERCE, 

AGRICULTURE, 

ARCHITECTURE, 

ESSAYS, 

THE  DRAMA, 

NAT.  HISTORY, 

CHEMISTRY, 

GEOLOGY, 

SCIENCE, 
MINERALOGY, 
POLITICAL  ECONOMY, 
ORATORY, 

THE  ARTS, 


The  REVIEWS,  MAGAZINES,  ete.  STATIONERY— A good  a»- 
sortaient  always  on  hand. 

Carpeting ! Carpeting  I 

tSr  We  are  receiving  a 'large  and  choice  assortment  of  VELVET, 
BRUSSELL8,  THREE-PLY  and  INGRAIN  CARPETING. 

....  ALB#  .... 

FLOOR  OIL  CLOTHS,  three  to  twenty-font  feet  wide,  of  ehoice 
tonality  and  new  pattern.  All  of  which  wo  are  offering  at  very  low 

FLOOR  OIL  CLOTHS. 

or  We  have  on  hand  a large  assortment  of  FLOOR  OIL  CLOTHS 
af 'the  best  and  ordinary  qualities,  from  three  to  twenty-fonr  feet 
wide,  which  wo  cut  to  suit  any  room  or  hall.  We  are  enab  led  to  offer 
to  parchasers  unnsnal  advantages  in  quality  and  price. 

....  ALSO  .... 

TABLE  OIL  CLOTHS,  TABLE  COVERS,  DOOR  MATS,  WIN- 
DOW  CURTAINS,  PAINTED  WINDOW  SHADES,  etc.,  etc.  . 

SHEEPSKIN  MATS. 

tM"  We  have  a choice  assortment  of  fine  and  beautiful  Sheep* 
skin  MATS,  for  bedside  and  doors,  of  English  manufacture.  Just  re- 
ceived and  for  sale  by  J.  D.  DAMERON  A CO.  31  Chartres 

aud  91  Customhouse  street,  |] 


jbo'h  watkbuan. 


CBAS.  M WATMBMAN. 


J.  Waterman  & Brother, 

HARDWARE  MERCHANTS, 

CORNER  OF  COMMON  AND  MAGAZINE  STREETS. 

Have  on  hand  and  are  daily  re- 
ceiving by  foreign  and  domestic  arrivals,  a General 
I Assortment  of  Articles,  comprising  in  part  as  follows- 
HARDWARE.  CUTLERY,  ETC. 

^ nans.  Hope. 

^xes. 


)1,  Nails,  Rope, 
i,Cnains,Se£thes, 


Carpenter's  Toolsj  complete, 
Cooper’s  Tools, 


Anvils,  Vices,  Bellows, 

Stock  and  Dies,  Screwplates, 

Garden  Engines,  Pumps, 

Ploughs.  Hay  Cutters,  Coro  Shellers, 
Agricul'nral  Implements, 

Mill,  Crosscut  and  Pit  Saws, 

neos,  Hames,  Shovels  and  Spades,  Ox  Yokes,  Bows,  Singletrees, 
4pdlrone,  Fenders,  Shovel  and  Tongs,  Turning  Lathes, 


and  Iren  Coal  Hods, 
^lingl  — - 


hes. 

Platform  ScaJe,. 

[lo  and  Ilonble  Barrel  Gone.  Corn  Mills, 

Coffse  Heclas.  Chafing  Dishes,  Cob  Cmshet 

Chinese  Gongs,  Iron  Bedsteads, 

Britania  and  Plated  Ware, 

Meat  Cnttois,  Sansage  Staffers, 

Stock  Kettles,  Portable  Forges, 

Sslsse,  FiAlng  »!»<*lssv  eta,  pk  r 


W^enmansMp  and  JBook-MLeeping 

TAUGHT  ON  SOIENTIFIO  PRINCIPLES, 
(Initead  of  by  imitation,  as  is  usual,)  thus  insuring  su«- 
cess  to  all,  at 

BOLBE AB’B 

WRITING  AND  BOOK-KEEPING  ACADEMY, 
JVo.  106  Canal  street ^ JSTeio  Orleans, 

ESTABLISHED  1831. 

It  is  open  the  eniire  year  for  Ladies,  Oentlemen  and  ChildireH^ 
Special  hours  for  each. 

tSr  LADIES  are  taught  a noat,  rapid  and  iasblonable  style  of 
WRITING  in  a few  easy  Lessons.  PRIVATE  CLASSBB  expressly 
for  Ladies. 

PARENTS  are  informed  that  the  expense  is  no  more  to  teach  pupils 
who  have  never  written  than  those  who  have  practiced  for  years  in  the 
common  method,  as  the  greatest  trouble  is  to  correct  bad  habits. 

ALL  CHILDREN  seven  years  of  ag«  would  be  able  to  write  an  ele-' 
gant  business  letter,  if  correctly  taught. 

YOUNG  GENTLEMEN  often  fail  to  get  into  good  houses  on  account 
•f  their  cramped  and  defective  Writing,  which  may  in  all  cases  be  cor. 
rected  in  a few  lessons. 

MERCHANTS,  PROFESSIONAL  GENTLEMEN,  and  all  persons 
who  do  not  write  with  ense  and  elegance,  can  in  every  case  have  their 
difBcnlties  removed  in  a few  lessons,  and  a free,  bold,  uniform  hand  es- 
tablished. 1 hose  WHO  have  faithful  Clerks  whom,  they  wish  to  pro- 
mote, can  have  them  prepared,  in  a few  weeks,  to  take  charge  of  their 
Books  or  Correspondence. 

All  persons  should  ne  able  to  keep  their  own  Accounts  correctly,  er 
understand  any  set  of  Books.  Those  who  do  not  are  subject  to  great 
losses  and  vexations. 

It  is  as  absurd  to  expect  to  learn  Penmanship  and  Book-Keeping  in 
a Coanting  House,  as  it  would  be  to  expect  to  learn  Arithmetic  or  Read  * 
ing  there.  Gentlemen  engaged  in  other  bnsiness  seldom  have  time 
to  teach. 

N.  B. — There  are  fe  w large  Honses  or  Banks  in  this  city  where  my 
pupils  may  not  be  fonnd.  Good  qualifications  always  secure  good 
positions. 

TERMS — For  Penmanship,  $35  ( for  Book-Keeping,  $50— inclading 
Doable  and  Single  Entry ; for  Single  Entry  alone,  $35.  All  are  desired 
to  attend  nntil  perfect. 

Several  Young  Gentlemen  will  be  qualified  as  TEACHERS  of  my 
system  this  winter. 

PUPILS  IN  PENMANSHIP  received  from  six  to  sixty  years  of  age. 
In  Book-Keeping,  none  under  twelve. 

LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN  are  tevited  to  call  and  judge  forthem* 
lelves.  RUFUS  DOLBEAR,  106  Canal  street. 

JPem  ! Pens ! Pens  l 

jy  SUPERIOR  STEEL  PENS,  made  expressly  for 
DOLBEAR’S  WRITING  AND  BOOK-KEEPING  ES- 
TABLISHMENT, 106  Canal  street.  For  sale,  via : • 

FINE  ELASTIC  COMMERCIAL  PENS; 

EXTRA  FINE  ELASTIC  COMMERCIAL  PENS ; 

SUPERFINE  LADIES’  PENS. 

PRICES— 1 gross,  $1  60 ; 13  gross,  $16  ; 35  gross,  $35 ; 50  gross,  $45 1 
100  gross,  $T5.  Terms— Cash. 

ly  Merchants,  Teachers,  eto.,  will  find  them  a superior  kind.  My 
name  is  stamped  on  ea  h Fen.  The  Pens  can  be  sent  by  mail  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States, 
ly  Agents  wanted  in  every  town. 

RUFUS  DOLBEAR,  106  Canal  street.'^ 

Important  to  the  Peaf, 

^ DR.  JAMES  F.  SMITH,  Artist,  Principal  of  the  Ciaeinnatl, 
Ohio,  and  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Institutione  for  the  Deaf,  is  now  in  New  Or- 
leans,  end  can  be  consulted  at  his  room,  No.  1$  St.  Charles  Hotel,  from 
• o'clock  A.  M..  nntil  8 P.  M. 

Deafbeis,  Noise  in  the  Head,  and  aU  disagreeable  discharges  from 
the  Ear  speedily  and  peimanently  removed,  without  caus.ng  the  leaat 
pain  or  inconvenience. 

Close  and  nndivided  attention  to  this  branch  of  special  practloe,  bat 
enabled  him  to  reduce  bla  treatment  to  euoh  a degree  of  sueoesi  as  le 
find  the  mosk  confirmed  and  obetinate  easee  yield  by  a rteady  attentkm 
to  the  mMB9  pnserfiiedt, 


^ ' Burnett  Sf  Bostwick, 

FTTBLISHEKS,  IMFOBTEKS  AKD  JOBBERS 

OF 


BOOKS  AND  STATIONERY, 

€AMP  STREET. 

. NEW  ORLEANS. 

IW  We  tAie  pleasure  in  aonouncing  W our  frfemls  'hat  w trre  pre- 
pared to  respond  to  their  orders,  or  ■ to  show  1h.  m much  the  most  ex- 
tensive stock  Tve  h^ve  ever  had  in  store  of 

Books  aud  Stationery, 

fresh  and  in  good  order,  at  rates  that  tvill  insure  their  pa'jouage. 

'We  hay  e on  hand,  at  all  times,  all  the  prpmio.vni 


SCHOOL  BOOKS 

r.vrd  in  Schools  and  Colleges  in  this  portion  of  the  counit.^ . 

NEW  MISCELLANEOUS  PUBLICATIONS 

received  direct,  immediately- upon  issuing  from  the  press,  and  fur- 
nished to  Booksellers  on  as  favorable  terms  as  they  cun  be  puroh.uied 
of  any  house  in  the  South. 

BIBLES  AND  PRAYFR  BOOKS 

of  all  sites,  and  in  every  variety  of  V-u-Log. 

Staple  and  Fancy  Stationery, 

of  the  best  qualities,  and  in  great  variety,  comprising  a full  8toc'<  of 
CAP,  LETTER,  BATH  AND  NOTE  PAPERS,  AND  ENV'EI^PES. 

TO  BOOK  AGENTS  AND  PEDDLERS 

We  can  offer  constant  and  lucrative  employment,  and  -we  wish  to  eu- 
gftge.efficient  agents  in  every  countv  throughout  the  South  and  West, 

BURNETT  & BOSTWICK, 

^ 15  Camp  street,  NewOrleans. 

Ttas^  Buckwheat^  Vranherriefs^ 

etc.,  etc. 

too  packages  Poucinoug,  Imperial  and  Gunpowder  Tea ; 

150  boxes  Ph.  H.  Holt’s  Buckwheat; 

50  barrels,  40  half  do,  and  60  qnaHgr  do  Cranberries ; 

50  kegs  Pearl  Barley ; . 

150  boxes  Cuba  Sixes  Cigars  : 

100 -boxes  Mill’s  Chocolate  ; 

SO  gross  Goodwin’s  Smoking  and  Chewing  1'obacco  ; 

Now  landing  and  for  sale  by 

J.  H.  CARTER  & CO. 

,13  and  16  Common  street, 

Jfiackerel,  Vodfishi  Merring  and 

Salmon. 

3000  packages  Nos.  1, 2 and  3 Mackerel,  small,  mediiihi'  and  large  ; 
JOO  barrels  No.  1 Roe  Herring ; 

- "Si  half  barrels  No.  1 Roe  Herring,  Baltimore ; 

106  kitsNo.  1 Roe  Herring,  Baltimore  ; 

1000  quarter  boxes  Codfish  ; 

SO  drums,  20  half  do,  30  quarter  do  Codh^h  ; 

30  lOd  lb  boxes  Codfish ; 

20  barrels  No.  1 Salmon  ; 

40  half  barrels  No.  1 Salmon  ; 

60  quarter  barrels  and  100  kits  Salmon  ; for  sale  by 

J.  H.  CARTER  & CO. 

13  and  15  Common  street. 


JP.  Stringer  Sf  Co, 

35  CAMP  STREET,  35 

NEW  ORLEANS, 

FASHIONABLE  CLOTHIERS. 

UF  Have  always  on  hand  a large  assortment  of  FASHIONABLE 
CLOTHING  of  their  own  manufacture,  made  of  the  best  materials  and 
in  the  latest  styles  j SUPERFINE  LINEN  AND  COTTON  SHIRTS , 
SILK  SCARFS,  CRAVATS, etc.,  etc.;  SOLE  LEATHER  TRAVEL- 
ING  TRUNKS,  of  the  best  Philadelphia  Manufacture  ; UMBREL, 
LAS,  ete.,  etc, 


Papier  Jflache^  9Bi>er  - Plated 

Ware,  'etc.,  etc. 

One  of  the  choicest  stocks  ofl  FANCY  ARTICLES  ever  brought 
into  this  country  is  now  oftered  for  sale  at 

19  Cbartres  street. 

ROBtNSON’&  OLROYD 

SHEFFIELD  SILVER  and  PLATED  WARE  and  CUTLERY  ; 
BIRMINGHAM  PAPIER  MACHE  and  SILVER  PLATED  WARE, 
FRENCH  BISCUIT  CHINA; 

PORCELAIN  and  WHITE  CHINA  GLASS  WARE,  plain  and, >;v|t  . 
CLOCKS,  STATUETTES,  DRESSING  and  WORK  ^OXES,  and 
TABLES ; 

CANDELABRES,  LIQUOR  CASKS,  TEA  SETS; 

WAITERS,  ETAGERES,  MUSIC  STANDS,  TABLES , 

CHAIRS,  BREADBASKETS,  TEA  URNS, 
tea  aud  COFFEE  SETS,  CAKE  BASKETS,  TEA  CADDIES, 
WRITING  DESKS,  VASES,  JARDINIERS,  TOILET  SjETS , 
DINNER  and  TEA  SETS,  CARD  RECEIVERS; 

CHAMBER  SETS ; FINE  TABLE  CUTLERY,  in  cases  and  by  doiem 
SPOONS,  FORKS  and  LADLES. 

A'ld  an  assortment  of  Fancy  Aruclcfi  of  Every  dewription. 

A.L  SO 

FUKNTfURE,  in  Rosewood  und  Mahogany  ; 

LAMPS,  BROC.'.TELLESand  DAMASK  CURTAIN  STUFFS. 
LACE  and  MURLIN  CURTAINS,  TABLE  LIN  EN  ^ 

LINEN  SHEETING.  TOWELS,’ TAbLE  CO'i'ERS 
LOOKING  GL'ASSES,  WINDOW  BLLN;  P,  CARPETINR: 

RUGS,  LINEN  and  WOOLEN  IJRUGGETS ; 

SAXONY  .m  ats,  ETC,,  ETC. 


Mydf  Sf  Goodrich, 

Invite  attention  to  their  extensive'  and  well  assorted  stock  of 

JEWELRY  AND  FANCY  ARTICLES. 

watches — Of  the  celebrated  makers  Cooper,  Jorgensen,  Montandon 
and  Tobias;  nnsarpassed  for.accuracy  of  time ; 

SUPERIOR  INDEPENMINT  QUARTER-SECOND  WATCHES— 
Others  oonstiucted  to  wind  without  a key;  Watches  with  secret 
places  for  daguerreotypes; 

LADIES’  ENAMELED  WATCHES— Set  with  Brilliants,  of  extraor- 
dinary richness  aod  beauty; 

CHATELAINES,  at  all  prices  to  correspond  with  the  styie  of  the 
Watch ; • 

RICH  DIAMOND  JEWELRY— Consis.ing  of  Bracelets,  Brooches  and 
Ear  rings  of  new  patterns  ; 

FINE  PEARL  SETS  and  Necklaces ; 

Rare  and  beautiful  CORAL  WOIUC,  from  Genoa  and  Naples  : 

PARIS  AND  GENEVA  JEWELRY; 

CLOCKS,  PARIAN  WARE,  BRONZE  STATUARY:  '•  - 

OPERA- GLASSES,  FINE  FANS,  ETC,,  ETC. ; 

SHEFFIELDTLATED  WARE ; 

FINE  TABLE  CUTLER LAMPS,  ETC,; 

SILVER  W’'ARE,  of  their  own  manufacture  ; 

WATER  AND  MILK  PI^I^RS,  poffee  , and . Tea  Sets,  Cups,  Gob- 
lets, Fruit  Stands,  Cake  Baskets,  Batter  Tubs,  Napkin  Rings,  etc.. 

Also,  SPOONS,  FORKS  AND  LADLES,  of  avery  pattern. 

They  also  invite  particular  attention  to  their  large  stock  of 

FINE  GUNS.  COLT’S  PISTOLS, 

and  Sporting  Implements.  For  sale  at  moderate  prices  by 
HYDE  & GOODRICH, 

corner  of  Canal  and  Royal  streets. 

Sign  of  the  Golden  Pelican. 


Piano  Porter, 

A fine  assortment  of  HALLKTT,  DAVIS  & CO.’S 

MAGNIFICENT  PIANO  FORTES. 

Just  received  by  the  subscriber,  which  are  offered  for  rale  on  fn®  most 
favorable  terms. 

For  beauty  of  finish  and  elegance,  and  purity  of  tone,  these  instru- 
ments stand  unequaled. 

Music  and  Musical  Merchaadue  for  sale  in  large  or  small  quan. 
tities,  by 

H.  D.  HEWITT,  Agent, 

8S»  CAMP  STREET. 


Nails, CastiQg^ies ; 

Hoee,  Spades  Shovpls 
Ox  and  Log  ^ains  ; 

Fiflli  and  Trace  Chains ; 

Anvils,  Viceaand  Be^ows ; ' 
Stocks  and  Dies,  Spraw  Plateji  r 
Hammers  an4 
Grind  8tones^alV,^y»; 

Hooks  and  Hi|igas ; 

Tin  Ware ; 


CRAS.  C.  OAINXS.  'nrM.  BSYL.  F.  JC 

Chas*  Vj.  Gaines  Sa  Co* 

Importers  and  Dealers  in 

FOREIGN  AND  DOMESTIC 

HARDWARE,  PUTLERY,  ETC. 

No.  26  Mngaape  and  4C(,<3javler  street. 

HA.VE  IN  STORE  AND  CONSTANTLY 

RECEiYiffG  Direct, F|iOM  t3h£  piasruFAUTPRiES  :i 
jCjarpe|it<y s’ Tools  ; 

. :>Co^  pnd  Coffee  Mills ; 

^top  i^d  Manilla  Rope  ; 

- Mi|l,  pi^  and,  Cross  Cut  Sawn; 
'■(io^nter  and, Platform  Scales  ; 

, i^rilrpni  and  Fenders  ; 
i ^^ri^s  pndiXf^ngs ; 

Coilon,^ad  Wopl  Cards  ; 

Iron  aad  Brass  Screws; 

Rodger’s  Cutlery. 

|gy“ Together  Rijh  a large  assortment  of  FANCY  GOODS,  ru; 

Combs,  Brushes,  p^fum8ry,  EwS*'^d|81aak, Books,  etc.,  etc.,  which 

are  offered  at  the  lowest  prjce  V<W  ^ «i*'y  paper. 

This. 

H 0 n jL  G E H A R B Y , 

AT  THE 

CU^AP  BTORE, 

CAMP  STREET.  X85 

• HT  Has  just  received— 

HONITON  LACE  COLLARETTES  ; 

VALENCIA  LACE  COLLARETTES ; 

THREAD  LACE  COLLARErTES ; 

HONITON  LACSJCPI'I'A.RS  ANDSLEEVES  ; 

GUIPURE  COLLARS  AND  SLEEVES  ; 

EMBROIDERED  SWISS  CHEMISETTES  ; 

EMBROIDERED  JACONET  CHEMISETTES; 

SWISS  AND  JACONET  COLLARS  AND  SLEEV,  S ; 

RICH  SWISS  TRANSFER  WORK ; 

JACONET  AND  SWISS  ED  ilNG  AND  INSERTING  ; 

RICH  EMBROlDiRED  JACONET  hLOUNClNG  ; 

EMBROIDERED  SWISS  AND  JACONET  BANDS,  very  superior 
VALENCIA  thread  AND  HONITON  LACES. 

ALSO  .... 

A large  and  well  assorted  stock  of  SPRING  SILKS,  BAREGES, 
MUSLINS,  etc. 

....  ALSO  .... 

A complete  aosortmeut  of  SUPER  LACE  and  AIUSLIN  CURTAl  <S, 
StJPER  CURTAIN  DAMASKS,  LINEN  SHEETING,  TABLE  LIN- 
EN, etc. 

tW'  Tbe  undersigned  solicits  the  attention  of  the  Ladies  to  the  ex- 
tensive and  beautiful  assortment  he  is  now  disposing  of  at  25  per  cent, 
lees'thai^ov'ir  bgt'ore.oje  ed  in  this  city. 

’ HORACE  HARBY, 

185  CAMP  STREET. 

Commission  Carpet  WW*arerooms. 

TODD  & CO., 

COMMISSK^N  MERCHANTS, 

xVO.  120  CJLNAL  STREET,  NEAR  ROYAL, 

TOURO  BUILDINGS. 

idS  We  solicit  your  attention  to  our  large  and  magnificent  stock  of 

ENdLISH  AND  AMERICAN  CARPETS, 

which  we  have  received  on  consignment,  and  are  enabled  to  sell,  at 
Wholesale  and  Retail,  as  low  as  can  be  purchased  in  any  Market  in  the 
United  States.  It  consists  of  all  qualities,  from  the  Richest  Velvets  to 
the  lowest  price  Ingraiu  Manufactured,  and  a choice  seclection  of 
RUGS,  DRUGGETS,  STAIRCLOTHS,  AND  BRASS  RODS,  MAT- 
TINGS  ANDFLOOR  OIL  CLOTS,  3 to  24  feet  wide. 

We  have  also  on  hand  a large  assortment  of 

PAINTED  WINDOW  SHADES. 


JEfonseheepers  Read  This^ 

HOUSE  FURNISHING  GOODS  SELLING  OFF  T 
CHANGE  BUSINESS»*No  17  Camp  street. 

The  undersigned,  having  resolved  to  make  a change  in  their  ■’■isi. 
ness,  SI e offering  their  splendid  slock  of  GOODS  at  such  prire*  a' 
must  induce  sales  to  all  in  wantof  the  articles,  who  will  take 
trouble  to  call.  The  goods  consist  in  part  of— 

Plated  Castors,  China,  Glass  and 

Plated  Waiters,  Earthenware, 

Plated  Baskets,  Rich  Dinner  Sets, 

Plated  Candlesticks,  Rich  Teasels,  Vases, 

Plated  Teasels,  Cut  Glass  Ware, 

Plated  Spoons  and  Forks,  Moulded  Glass  Ware. 

Block  Tin  Ware,  Plain  Glass  Ware, 

Britannia  Ware,  Solar  Lamps, 

Japanned  Ware,  Moderator  Lamps, 

I’in  and  Iron  Ware,  Girandoles, 

Wooden  Ware,  Chandeliers, 

Baskets,  Brooms,  Fenders  and  Andirons, 

Brushes,  Shovels,  Tonga  and  Pokors 

Cooking  Stoves,  Hat  and  Coat  Racks, 

Knives  and  Forks,  Cooking  Ur.ensils,  etc.,  etc. 

Comprising  as  fine  a stock  and  as  coinpie.ie  an  aisonment  as  cun 
found  in  the  city.  The  subscribers  avoid  the  use  of  the  beading 
“ Selling  off  at  Cost,”  which  has  so  often  been  used  as  a decoy  .o  i n 
duce  persons  to  go  and  pay  more  than  market  prices  for  goods  no- 
purchasers  may  rely  on  finding  prices  greatly  below  what  they  can 
buy  for  elsewhere. 

B.  BROWER  & CO.  17  Camp  street. 


Fashionable  Clothing 

AND 

FURNISHING  ESTABLISHMENT. 

LEIGHTON  & BARBOT, 

Corner  St.  Charles  and  Canal  streets. 

( 16  PARK  ALACE,  NEW  YORK.) 

ISr  Have  constantly  on  hand  a superior  assortment  of  FASfalON  A - 
BLB  CLOTHING,  guaranteed  to  be  of  the  BEST  WORKMANSHIP 
and  os  the  LATEST  STYLES,  comprising— 

FROCK  AND  DRESS  COATS, 

BUSINESS  COATS,  OVERCOATS, 

PANTALOONS  AND  VESTS, 

DRESSIITG  and  MORNIN  ROBES,  etc. 

GENTLEMEN’S  EURNm^^  GOODS, 

Consisting  in  part  of 
HOSIERY,  SUSPENDERS, 

CRAVATS,  SCARFS,  NECK  TIES,' 

UMBRELLAS,  M2RINO  UNDERSHIRTS  and  DRAWERS. 
shaker  FLANNEL  SHIRTS, 

SILK  SHIRTS  and  DRAWERS. 

LEIGHTON’S  PREMIUM  SHIRTS. 

A full  supply  of  these  CELEBRATED  SHIRTS  at  all  times  on  hand, 
and  of  such  a variety  of  sizes  and  styles  ns  will  enable  them  to  fit  the 
most  difiacult  and  please  the  must  fastid  oub. 

N.  B.— Clothing  and  Shirts  m«de  to  order, 

LEIGHTON  & BARBOT, 

cor.  St.  Charles  and  Canal  streets,  N.  O. 

and  16  Park  Place,  NewYork. 

JT.  R.  Steely 

PUBLISHER,  BOOKSELLER  AND  STATIONER. 

60  CAMP  STREET,  60 

NEW  ORLEAN.S. 

Always  on  hand  a complete  asiortment  of  LAW,  (English  and 
French,)  MEDICAL,  SCIENTIFIC  and  SCHOOL  BOOKS,  CLASSI- 
CAL and  LITERARY  WORKS, CHEAP  PUBLICATIONS,  etc.,  etc. 
STATIONERY,  Domestic  and  Foreign. 

BLANK  BOOKS  AND  CARDS  of  every  description. 

PRINTING  and  BOOK-BINDING  executed  with  neatness  and  dis- 
patch. 

AGENT  FOR  J . T.  WHITE’S  PRINTING  T \ PES,  etc  , a.nd  HOE 
& CO.’S  CELEBRATED  PRINTING  PRESSES. 


Holiday  Prices  of  Q-entlemeii^s  Olothlng, 

the  New  Orleans  Cheap  Cash 

K s at hing  WV*areho  u9t^ 

No.  28  Camp  street. 


Blftfk  ft'irt  Colored  French  Cloth  Frocks $15  00 

English  Cloth  Frocks 12  00 

American  Cloth  Frocks 10  00 

Fancy  Cloth  and  Cassimere  Business  Coats 8 00 

Cae  imere  Paletots  and  Sacks 6 00 

Hea cy  Pilot  Cloth  Overcoats... 12  00 

••  Castor  Beaver  Overcoats 16  00 

Lsnib  Skin  Overcoats 12  00 

Bla(  s and  Colored  Cloth  Coats 15  00 

• • • • Talmas 16  00 

Black  Doe  Skin  Pams. 6 00 

• • Cassimere  Pants 5 00 

F mcy  French  Cassimere  Pants 4 00  to  6 00 

Srik  Velvet  nd  Plnsh  Vests 6 00 

Black  and  Fancy  Silk  and  Satin  Vests 3 00  to 5 00 

While  F gored  Silk  BaU  Ves:s 4 00 

Fine  Cambric  Shirts,  per  dozen 15  00 

Fine  French  L'nen  Shirts,  per  dozen 30  00 

Heavy  Lambs  Wool  Undershirts  and  Drawers 1 50 

Merino  Undershirts  and  Drawers 76 

Silk  Undershirto and  Drawers 1 76 

l^ambs  Wool  Half  Hose,  per  doze' 3 00 

Heavy  C ittou  Half  Hose,  pel  dozen 1 60 

F.,t;ey  S Ik  Half  Hose,  per  dozen 4 00 

B>ack  Italian  Cravats 1 00 

Fancy  Silk  Cravats  50  cts  to  1 00 

Jmvin’sKid  Gloves 16 

I2f”  These  prices  wiU  bs  strictly  adhered  to.  All  goods  sold  are 
guarantied,  and  the  purchase  money  refunded  in  aU  cases  where  dis- 
eati  faciios!  exists.  C.  B.  DREW,  Proprietor, 


No.  28  Camp  street. 

C.  V,  Lathrop^ 

BANKER  AND  INSURANCE  AGENT, 

96  Camp  street,  JVew  Orleans, 

DEPOSITS  received  and  DISCOUNTS  made. 

EXCHANGE  on  all  the  ptincipal  Cities  bought  and  sold, 
ggr  SHORT  LOANS  made  on  Collaterals  and  Warehuose  Receipts. 
NOTES  and  DRAFTS  negotiated  and  collected  and  promptly 
remitted  at  lowest  rate  of  Exchange. 

AGENCY  NEW  YORK  LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

» iE  f NA  LIFE  INSURANCE  COhlPAN Y. . 

ty  Lives  of  White  Persous'and  Slaves  insured  at  lowest  rates. 


REFERENCES. 

W.  P.  Grayson,  Cashier  Bank  of  New  Orleans NewOrleans 

Morris  Franklin,  Pres’t.  N.  Y.  Life  Insurance  Company NewYork 

Messrs.  Potter,  Elder  A Note,  Merchants Boston 


^^ardware^  Iron  Castings,  JVails 

£and  Cordage. 

BRAND  & ADAMS, 

NO.  87  MAGAZINE  -TREET,  OPPOSITE  THE  ARCADE, 
Importers  and  Dealers  in 

FOREIGN  AND  DOMESTIC  HARDWARE. 

ly  Are  constantly  receiving  large  additions  to  their  extensive  stock 
of  PI  mtation  Hardware,  etc.  Planters  and  country  merchants  would 
do  well  to  examine  their  stock  and  prices  before  purchasing  elsewhere. 
The  following  comprise  a portion  of  their  stock  ; 1000  kegs  Nails,  as- 
sorted; i200  Ballinger’s  and  .Tacob’s  Sugar  and  Cotton  Ploughs;  800 
tons  Tennessee  Iron,  assorted;  100  tons  assorted  Hoop  Iron ; 100  tons 
Savary’s  Castings;  Ox,  Log,  Trace  Chains,  Hoes  of  all  kinds;  Hunt’s, 
Collins’s,  Leverett’s  and  Hoyt’s  Axes;  Shovels  and  Spades,  assorted 
brands,  etc.;  Saws  of  all  kinds;  Oils,  Paints,  Brnahes,  Curry  Combs, 
Glass,  Putty,  Rifles,  and  Gens,  and  a general  assortment  of  Shelf 
Hardware,  etc. 


yottr  Shirts 

AT 

S . N . MOODY’S. 


Beautifully  sewn,  and  a fit  guaranteed,  or  money  returned. 
Almost  daily  additions  are  being  made  from  the  North  of  the  latest 
styles,  of  every  description  of 


UNDERSHIRTS, 

DRAWERS, 

SOCKS, 

CRAVATS, 

HANDKERCHIEFS, 

GLOVES, 

SUSPENDERS, 
DRESSING  ROBES, 
UMBRELLAS, 
jy  SHIRTS,  COLLARS  and 
TO  ORDER. 


PERFUMERY, 

FANCY  ARTICLES, 

SMALL  WARES,  otc.j 
LADIES’  UNDERSHIRTS. 
LADIES’  GLOVES, 

LADIES’  HOSIERY, 

BOYS’  SHIRTS, 

BOYS’  UNDERCLOTHING, 
BOYS’  GLOVES,  HANDKKRC’S 
ENT’S  UNDERCLOTHING  MADE 


S.  N.  MOODY’S 


NewOrleans  Shirt  and  Underclothing  Manufactory, 
corner  Canal  street  and  Exchange  Place. 

ly  Closed  on  Sundays. 


Persons  Pisiting  Jf'etv  Orleans, 

ly  Who  may  be  in  want  of  any  article  of  Wearing  Apparel,  are 
respectfully  invited  to  call  at  the 

ONE  PRICE 


MAMMOTH  CLOTHINO  ESTABLISHMENT 

O F 

ALFRED  MUNROE  & CO. 


JVo.  34  Magazine  street,  corner  of  Gravier, 

Where  may  be  found  at  all  times  much  the  largest  assortment  of 

SEASONABLE  CLOTHING, 

OF  EVERY  DESCRIPTION, 
in  the  City,  and  at  prices  to  please  the  most  economical. 

WELL-MADE  GOODS, 

Exclusively  (all  sizes,)  for  Men,  Boys  and  Children. 

Under  Garments,  of  every  description,  such  as  Linen  and  Muslin 
Shirts,  Under  Shirts,  Drawers,  Half  Hose,  Gloves,  Suspenders,  Cravats 
Handkerchiefs,  etc.,  etc.  Also  Umbrellas,  Tranks,  Carpet  Bags  and 
Valises. 

pBT  A very  large  assortment  of 

INDIA  BTJBBEB  GOODS, 

of  every  description. 

NO  DEVIATION  FROM  MARKED  PRICES. 


Thomas  £.  White^ 

105  CANAL  STREET,  105 

NEW  ORLEANS, 

BOOKSELLER  AND  STATIONER, 

Hm  always  on  hand,  and  for  sale  on  the  most  advatageous 
terms, an  extensive  assortment  of  BOOKS,  of  every  variety  anddescrip 
tion,  and  in  every  department  of  Literature,  Science  and  the  Arts. 

BIBLES,  PRAYER  BOOKS,  PSALM  AND  HYMN 
BOOKS , 

of  every  kind,  and  other  religions  and  devotional  works  for  all  denom- 
inntions  of  Christians. 

NEW  PUBLICATIONS 

received  by  the  earliest  conveyances  from  all  parts  of  the  Union. 

PUBLIC  LAW  and  MEDICAL  PRIVATE 
LIBRARIES 

supplied  at  the  shortest  notice,  and  on  the  most  favorable  terms. 

Writing  and  Letter  Paper 

of  every  quality  and  description. 

. . . . ai.80 . . . . 

COLORED;  OLAZED;  MUSIC;  DRAWING;  TINTED,  of  all  col- 
ors, etc.,  etc. 

Blank  B o oks. 

A very  large  assortment,  comprising  alrcost  every  varitty;  most  of 
them  of  superior  materials  and  workmanship. 

FOR  SCHOOLS. 

Writing  Boobs,  of  superior  paper;  Pens;  Pencils;  Rewards;  Ink 
Stendfl ; Ink ; Rulers,  etc.,  etc.,  together  with  all  the  ponular  SCHOOL 
BOOKS  BOW  in  use.  Among  these  are  the  SOUTHERN  READERS, 
and  several  other  very  highly  approved  Southern  School  Books. 

STATIONERY, 

embracing  almost  every  article  usually  found  in  au  extensive  Book- 
store. 

Also,  a large  assortment  of  elegant 

FANCY  ARTICLES. 

nr  All  of  the  above  are  offered  at  WHOLESALE  or  RETAIL  on  as 
reasonable  terms  as  they  can  be  purchased  at  any  other  establishment 
in  the  Senthern  country. 

W Parents,  Teachers  and  Traders  from  the  country,  will  find  it  for 
their  interest  to  examine  the  stock  and  prices. 


Selling  off  at  Rednced,  Prices, 

H.  HUARD, 

69  Common  street, 

(Opposite  the  City  Hotel,) 

19*  Being  desirous  of  reducing  his  immense  stock  of 

FALL  AND.  WINTER  CLOTHING, 

ie  now  selling  off  at 

GREATLY  REDUCED  PRICES. 

Therefore,  now  is  your  time  to  purchase  the  CHEAPEST  and  MOST 
DESIRABLE  lot  of  CLOTHING  that  has  ever  been  offered  for  sale  in 
this  city,  consisting  of  beautiful 

BLUE,  BLACK  AND  BROWN  FROCK  AND  DRESS  COATS  ; 
BLACK  AND  FANCY  COLORED  DOESKIN  AND  CASSIMERE 
PANTS. 

Alee,  the  largest  and  best  selected  stock  of 

VESTS, 

ever  before  offered  for  sale  in  NewOrleans.  Together  with 

GENTLEMEN’S  FURNISHING  GOODS 

of  every  kind  and  description. 

And  if  hard  to  please,  a FIRST-RATE  TAILOR,  attached  to  the  es- 
tablishment, will  change  all  garments  WITHOUT  ANY  EXTRA 
CHARGES,  and  will  make  them  to  FIT  PERFECTLY, 
lar  CLOTHES  CUT  AND  MADE  in  the  best  style  with  ready  dis- 
patch. 


ff^ilfs  if  Rawlins^ 

Corner  Tchoupitoulas  and  Gravier  streets ^ 

AGENTS  FOR  THE  SALE  OF  THE  JUSTLY  CELEBP.ATEl 

CHARLES  HEIDSIECK  CHAMPAGNE. 

or  Are  receiving  direct  from  Havre,  by  every  arrival,  fresh  con- 
signments, which  they  offer  to  the  trade  at  the  lowest  tariff  rat?s. 

WILLS  & RAWLINS, 

ocr.  Tchoupitoulas  and  Gravier  strasis. 


Goodrich  Sf  Co, 

WHOLESALE  GROCERS 

AND  COMMISSION  MERCHANTS; 
24,  27  and  29  Common^  and  37  Canal  street, 

NEW  ORLEANS. 

JOHN  C.  GOODRICH, 
HENRY  L.  GOODRICH 
LOGAN  McNIQHT. 


YAS  & CO.,  WHOLESALE  GROCERS, 

139,141,  143  and  146  Magazine  street,  New  Orleans,  offer  for 
sale  at  the  lowest  market  prices — 

6000  bags  Rio,  Havana,  Laguayra  and  Java  Coffee. 

500  hbds  Brown  and  Clarified  Sugar. 

500  packages  Loat,  Crushei  and  Powdered  Sogar. 

500  bbis  Plantation  and  Sngarhonse  Molasses. 

3000  pkgs  Mackerel,  Nos.  1,  2, 8 and  4.  in  bbls,  bfs,  qrs  and  kits. 
400  Doxes  assorted  Pickles,  pta,  q's,  gallon  and  gallon  jars, 

200  do  do  Prese.ves,  Sweetmeats  and  Jellies. 

800  do  Codfish  and  Herring. 

500  boxes  Tobacco,  all  qualities. 

2000  packages  Tea,  a complete  assortment. 

800  boxes  assorted  Slick,  Fancy  and  Rock  Candy, 

2600  packages  Raisins,  boxes,  halves  anii  quarters. 

250  casks  London  Porter  and  Scotch  A.Ie, quarts  and  Pints. 
260,000  Cigars,  assorted. 

20  ceroons  Indigo. 

10  casks  Madder. 

120  packages  Cognac  Brandv,  in  and  pipes. 

Together  with  a very  large  stock  of  Goods  in  our  line. 

City  and  Country  Merchants  are  invited  to  call  and  examine  our 
goods  and  prices.  DYAS  A CO. 


^4 EWING  MACHINES. —At  the  Maryland 

- 7 State  Fair,  held  at  Baltimore,  the  premiums  were  distributed  on 
the  19th  of  October  last.  The  following  Sewing  Machines  were  on  ex- 
hibition, and  attracted  much  attention,  viz : 

WHEELER,  WILSON  A CO.'S, 

J.  M.  SINGER  A CO.’S, 

GROVER,  BAKER  A CO  ’8. 

The  result  was  as  follows : 

DISTRIBUTION  OF  PREMIUMS. 

The  Swann  premiums  being  the  most  important,  olaim  preference. 
On  the  committee  to  award  these  the  following  judges  were  appointed ; 
Chairman.  John  H.  B.  Latrobe  ; Mrs.  E,  K.  Winans,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Buck 
waiter,  Mrs.  R.  G.  Ware  and  8.  P.  Clark;  James  Murray,  of  the  Vul- 
can Works  Robert  Leslie,  William  H.  Keeler  and  J.  S.  Sickles.  Eeqra. 

The  awards  were  as  follows  : 

No.  5.  For  the  most  practical  invention  adapted  to  common  use,  to 
be  estimated  with  reterence  to  cheapness  and  general  utility— One 
Hundred  Dollars.  Awarded  to  Wheeler,  Wilson  A Co.,  for  the  Sewing 
Machines. 

Class  No.  35.  To  Wheeler.  Wilson  A Co.’s  Sowing  Machines,  a Silver 
Medal. 

To  J.M.  Singer  A Co.’s  Sewing  Machine,  a Certificate. 

A large  assortment  of  Wheeler,  Wilson  A Co.’s  NEW  IMPROVED 
PATENT  ROTARY  SEWING  MACHINES  always  on  hand,  and  for 
sale  for  cash  or  good  city  accceptances. 

Experienced  American  Girls,  direct  from  the  employ  of  the  Company, 
will  give  .ample  instructions  to  ladies  how  to  use  these  machines,  and 
without  any  charge  or  perquisite  for  teaching. 

A skillful  Creole  Machinist,  who  speaks  French,  Spanish  and  Eng- 
lish, will  keep  all  machines  purchased  at  this  establishment  in  good 
repair  for  one  year  free  of  extra  charge. 

A constant  supply  of  Silk  Machine.  Thread,  Spools,  Needles,  Springs 
Screws,  etc.,  always  on  hand,  and  for  sale  at 

13  ST.  CHARLES  STREET,  Up  Stairs. 


R.  W.  Adams, 

GROCER, 

Corner  of  Front,  Common  and  Fulton  streets. 
Has  constantly  on  hand  a large  and  complete  assortment  of  Gro- 
ceries, for  sale  at  the  lowest  cash  prices  and  on  the  most  favorable  terms. 

ly  STEAMBOAT  STORES.— Special  attention  paid  to  keeping  at 
all  times  a fell  stock  of  articles  required  by  Boats. 


JEa'rthe'mcart^  Glass  and  Vhlna 

....  AND  .... 

HOUSE-KEEPING  ARTICLES 

The  subscribers,  hayios'  extensiTsly  enlarged  their  store.  No.  99 
Canal  strset,  are  now  opening  and  offer  for  safe  h most  complete  stock 
of  goods  in  their  line.  With  greatly  increased  facilities  for  exhibiting 
their  wares,  they  confidently  call  the  attention  of  purchasers  both  at 
W'holesale  and  Retail  to  a stock  oi'  goods  which  for  extent  and  yariety 
is  not  surpassed  in  this  country  Among  which  will  be  found  every 
variety  of  RICH  ENAMELED  and  GOLD,  and  PLAIN  CHINA, 
DINNER,  TEA,  DESSERT  and  TOILET  SETS. 

RICH  CUT,  ENGRAVED  AND  PRESSED  GLASS 
Goblets,  Celeries, 

Champagnes,  Tumblers, 

Wines,  Pilchers, 

Clarets,  Lemonade  and 

Decanters,  Cordial  Glasses. 

GERMAN  SILVER  AND  SILVER  PLATED 

Spoons. 

Forks, 

Tea  Spoons,  etc. 

FINE  AND  COMMON  JAPAN 
Plate  Warmers,  Waiters, 

Knife  Trays,  Trays, 

Coal  Vases,  etc,  etc.,  etc. 

STERLING  SILVER  AND  SILVER  PLATED 
Castors,  Sugars, 

f lordial  Stands,  Creams, 

W'aiters,  Candlesticks, 

Tea  Pots,  etc.,  etc.  etc. 

GILT  AND  BRONZE 

Chafideiiars,  Candelebras, 

Suspending  l^mps.  Table  Lamps, 

Han  Lamps,  Fire  Irons,  etc. 

POLISHED  STEEL 

Sb.-ivela, 

Tongs, 

Standards,  etc.  etc. 

Together  with  a great  variety  of  KITCHEN  AND  HOUSE-FUR- 
NISHING  GKIODS,  snchas  Brooms,  Brushes,  Tubs, 'Market  Baskets, 
ttc.,  etc. 

tSr  All  of  wbich  will  be  sold  at  low  prices  and  on  favorable  terms, 

HENDERSON  & GAINES, 

No.  99  Canal  street. 

WILLS  & RAWLINS, 

•dgents 

I^FOR  THE  SALE  O F jp 

VIRGINIA  MANUFACTURED  TOBACCO 

STORES 

Oorner  Tchoupltoulas  and  Gravler  streets. 


StaHoner^'s  BM, 

D PELT  & STETSON,  b 
Q/l  CHARTRES  STREET, 

NEW  ORLEANS. 


Have  DOW  in  store  full  supplies  and  will  contiuue  to  receive 
during  the  season  accessions  to  their  stock,  fresh  from  the  factories. 

We  give  below  a list  of  a few  of  the  Manufacturers  for  whom  we  are 
agents— 

Dr.  James  Saunders,  S 

Wm,  T.  Booker,  v 

Miller  & Crenshaw,  S 

Poindexter  A Halsey,  S 

Seth  Halsey,  S Lynchburg,  Va 

Halsey  A Butler,  > 

Wm.  L.  Saunders,  S 
T.  C.  S.  Ferguson  A Co,  \ 

Armstead  A Warwick.  \ 

Kioto-,  V., 

Young  A Bnrwell,  S 

Geohagun,  Tarwater  A Co,  S Clarksville.  Va. 

Moss,  Bros.  A Co,  ^ 

Wm.  T.  Sntherlin,  S not.«  n^  v» 

Wills  A Anderson,  S Danville,  \ a. 

For  each  of  whom  we  have  a variety  of  brands  of  every  grade,  con- 
sisting of  lbs.,  lbs.,  1-B  Ibs.,}^  lbs.,  Melba.,  1-82  lbs.,  Pasoake. 
Rolls,  Twist,  etc.,  etc.  Also,  Fine  Cut  Chewing  and  Smoking  Tobae-^ 
CO,  put  np  in  tin  foil  and  papers,  weighing  9,4  and  8 0(a  J 
To  all  of  whiclK  the  attention  of  the  trade  is  respectfnllj  invited, 
WILLS  & RAWLINS,  cor.  Tchcupitoulas  and  Grarler  sts. 


DAVID  FSIT, 
New  York. 


HENRY  0.  9TETS0N. 
New  Orleans. 


Ledgers, 

Je 


The  Proprietors  o'  this  Establishment’wonld  respectfully  in 
form  their  friends  and  the  public  generally,  tiiat  they  have  now  on 
hand  an  extensive  assortment  of  BLANK  BOOKS,  PAPERS,  FAN 
CYAND  STAPLE  STATIONERY,  and  would  call  the  attention  o' 
merchants  and  others  to  the  following  list  of  STOCK,  which  in  oBtai 
for  sale  at  the  VERY  LOWEST  PRICES,  and  on  th^OST  REASON 
ABLE  TERMS. 

....  ALSO  ....  . , 

In  connection  with  this  establishment,  there  is  a large  JOB  F'RiNT- 
INQ  OFFICE  and  BOOK  BINDERY,  where  every  description  of  ■♦ffek 
can  be  done  in  the  best  workmanlike  manner,  at  the  shortest  noties, 
and  at  the  most  reasonable  prices. 

From  facilities  offered  thu  honse  from  a recent  change  in  the  coa> 
corn,  they  are  enabled  to  sell  all  articles  in  this  list  (which  is  only  a 
portion  of  the  stock)  on  the  moot  liberal  terma,  and  would,  therein, 
solicit  the  favor  of  a call  to  examine  the  stock  previous  to  purchasing. 

PAGED  BLANK  BOOKS. 

Day  Books, 

lenmals.  Cosh  Books, 

Blotters,  RecefetAioks, 

Invoice  Books,  Differ  Books, 

Letter  Book^  Record  Books, 

Bill  Books,  Check  Books, 

The  above  are  of  all  the  different;Bi4es  of  paper,  styles  of  ruling  and 
Binding.  The  same,  andsneh  other  Books  asmay  be  regnired,nad«  to 
order  of  the  best  English  and  American  Laid  and  Wove  Papers. 

WRITING  AND  LETTEB  PAPER. 

Imperial,  Super  Royal,  Royal,  Medium,  Demy,  Folio  Post,  Bank  Post 
or  Bond  Paper,  Letter,  Commercial  and  Packet  Post  and  Lawyer’s  fiiiet 
Paper,  Foolscap,  Record  and  Ladies’  Letter  Paper,  ruled  or  plain,  laid 
or  wove,  of  English,  French  and  American  mannfactnre. 

STEAMBOAT  BOOKS. 

F reight  List,  Cash  Books, 

Cabin  and  Passage  Registers,  Cotton  Receiving  Books, 

Wood  Receipt  Books,  Cargo  Receipt  Books  for  Cotton  or 

General  do  do.  Sugar, 

Portage  do  do,  Forchass  Books, 

Cash  Letter  Receipt  Books,  Wages  Tables, 

Long  Discharging  Books,  Discharging  Paper, 

Mat)  ifest  Heads,  Bills  of  Fare, 

Measuring  Rods,  Measuring  Beoks, 

Trip  Books,  all  sizes  and  styles  of  ruling, and  generally  all  articles  used 
by  Boats.  Particular  attention  paid  to  this  branch. 

GOLD  PENS. 

Levi  Brown’s,  Bayley’s,  Morton’s,  Fife’s  Obtique,  and  Ladu’s  extra 
fine  Gold  Pens,  with  or  withont  Gold  or  Silver  Holders  ; Gold  and  Sil- 
ver Pencil  Cases. 

BOOK-BINDER’S  STOCK  - 

Shaved  Russia,  large  and  very  snperior;  Shee^kin  Skiver,  Red  and 
Blue  Morocco,  Marble  and  Sprinkled  Papers,  wne  Paste  for- cubing 
Ruling  Ink,  Binder’s  Boards,  Plough  Knives,  French  Beriitt,  .Rraul 
Wood,  etc.,  etc. 

O C 'aTjERY. 

Joseph  Rodgers’  and  Jonathan  Crooks’  Pocket.Cntlery,  a very  fine 
assortment. 

Front’s  celebrated  Printing  Inks,  all  colors. 

DIARIES  FOB  1865. 

Felt’s  Diaries  for  1855,;all  sises  and  styles. 

PLATING  AND  BLANK  CARDS. 

Eagle’s  Harry  VIIIDecatnr’s;  Merry  Andrews’and  Highlander  Play- 
(Dg  Cards,  assorted  backs;  Printers  Blank  Cards,  all  sizes ; Visiting 
Cards  of  a very  superior  quality. 

INKS. 

Maynard  A Noyes’,  David  A Black’s,  Felt  A Stetson’s  and  English 
Writing  Inks,  English  and  American  Copying  Inks,  Red  Ink,  and  French 
Carmine. 

SUNDRIES. 

Ink  Stands,  great  Variety:  Sealing  Wax  and  Wafers;  Steel  Pens,  of 
every  description;  Fancy  Colored  Glaxed  Papers;  Paper  Weights;  Pen 
Holders;  Motto  Seals;  Letter  Stamps:  Pearl  and  Ivory  Tablets;  Force 
lain  Slates;  Letter  Clips;  Yonng’s  Invoice  Files  Mnsic,  Paper  and 
Books;  Pad  Blotters  and  Port  Folios;  Ivory  Folders;  Tin  Cutters;  Wood 


Paged  6opying  Books;  Oil  Paper  Copying  Brushes;  Iflemorandam  Books 
of  every  description;  Bankers’  Note  Caaes;Tin  Cash  Boxes;  Envelop;; a 
for  Letters  and  Notes,  in  great  variety;  Envelope  Paper;  Extra  Fine 
Note  Paper;  Tissue  Paper;  Scrip  Books;  Interest  and  Exchange  Tables, 
Time  Books;  Dice;  Backgammon  Boxes  and  Chessmen;  Bankers  Shawra; 
Slates:  Twine  Boxes;  Twine;  Perforated  Board;  Drawing  Paper,  Gold 
and  Silver  Burnished  Paper;  Blank  Notes;  Blank  Drafts  Bills  Lading; 
Bills  Exchango;  Pen  RacKs;  Custom  House  Blanks; India  Rubber,  Wirs 
Files;  Pocket  Memorandum  Books;  Gummed  LabeU;Sand  Bexes-.Sand, 
Wafer  Cups;  Pink Baneers;  Red  Tape;  Cribbage  Boxes;  Port  Momaies) 
Calendars;  Wii^ping  and  Printing  Paper, all  sizes;  TWmometers 
Vesta  Match  Boxes  and  Candles;  Ready  Reference  Files;  Ladles*  Port 
Folios,  with  Locke;  Erasers  and  De^  Knives;  Red  and  B!g»Cbiaes3 
Ink,  etc,  etc,  ste. 

1).  FELT  & STETSON, 

Stationer’s  Hall.  No,  94  Chartres  itreet. 


